school and weddings

1/22/08
Orientation is pretty basic. We have homestay advice, hindi classes (fast but good so far), intl deveoplent (basically just our personal observations and discussion so far) and we will soon visit with the healthcare lady. The longer we are here, the more I realize I only really have two real classes (I know this isn't what my parents want to hear). But I'm learning so much from the experience.
We went to that wedding yesterday (the bride and groom are distant relatives of Dr. Bapna). We just saw the procession and very initial Garland ceremony. But this was very cool. It was like a parade with men carying electric candleabras, a marching band, and the groom decked out on a highly decorated white horse.
He received puja at the door and touched his Golden sword to the entrance seal. than him and the bride got up on this little stage with benches and stood around forever will pictures were taken with the Garlands. We didn't actually go to the ceremony because it was at 11:30 and we felt unsafe walking back home then.
You'll be happy to know I avoided a pickpocket attempt on the way out fo the hotel. Two children swooped down on me at teh door and sort of blocked my way. One girl made to shake my hand while in the corner of my eye I saw the boy trying to unzip my purse. I grabbed his hand away and just walked away. I'm half proud of myself and half disgusted.

school and weddings

Jaipur, India