My old friend Rakesh, from graduate school, lived in the US for 15 years. The last 10, we had very little contact. We met up again when I got to India and by coincidence he got married while I was there. Apparently, an Indian wedding is a multiple day event, and it seems they all start at 10pm and run until 3 am. Not at all my schedule. Staying in crappy hotels, one needs to be up and out early and asleep early, so as to not realize you are staying in a crappy hotel. I went to two events. The night before which was Mehendi, which we traditionally were not suppose to go to because this is a bride's family event. My stuff was at a friend's, and so I didn't have anything to wear. I called Rakesh to find out the when's and where's. I asked if I could wear jeans, and he said sure. It was an event in someone's front yard. Just on a lark, I bought a cheap Indian outfit off the street and wore that. It was a good thing I did because by front yard, they meant a complete tent complete with carpet, and tables with white tablecloths. It was a very formal event. I did get mehendi done. It was ok. Not as good as the one I got done for $1 at a museum. I sat and talked with the older daughter's husband's uncle and family. Now in the States, you know these people wouldn't have even been invited. It was nice to talk to some real middle class Indians. I am sure they found me a little offensive. The next night we had specific orders to be there by 6 pm. So we got ready and the car came, we were running a little late. The driver decided he needed to stop and get gas. We were running late. Then he was asking us where to go. We didn't know so I called Rakesh to give him directions. He told Rakesh he knew. Rakesh then acted like I was nuts. Then we got lost a few times, and asked directions a few times too. Aside, this has happened to me a number of times in taxis, I do not know how to get to my destination. I make it clear. I am with a local Hindi speaking person who could tell them where to go. They say they know. Then later they ask me. I don't speak Hindi and they apparently do not speak English. Maddening. So, we arrive at the wedding, told we should be a couple of kilometers down the road to be with the groom's party. So, we go down to the other hotel, and sit around with the groom's family. A few rituals, and photographs, an hour or so later we head out for the procession. Rakesh rides a white horse while we all "dance", and our path is lit by some homeless looking guys carrying full-sized living room lamps powered by a guy pushing a generator in a grocery cart. These are the things about India that I find so mind boggling. So, the wedding continues with a bunch of rituals taking place in different areas. Followed by food, and music. I totally missed the rituals. They were in Hindi, and people were just sort of grouped around watching. I have no idea what was going on. It didn't help that it was really cold; I forgot my shawl at the hotel. And after the ashram, I was used to be up at 5 am and in bed by 9. So, I was feeling like I had jetlag. Totally out of it. Plus, I saw literally dozens of wedding ceremonies in Thailand so I was totally weddinged out. I am just not a wedding person.
