Diaries of an Urban Villager: December 2007

An Indian Wedding

While in Delhi, Vandini and her family took me with them to a wedding. I bought as new embroidered kurta for the ceremony, and wore one of Shukla's (Vandini's mother-in-law's) beautiful saris to the reception the next day. It was first time wearing a Sari and I loved it.

Borders, Capitals and Hill Stations- Exploring the North

North of Delhi, I ventured into Punjab to see the famous modernist post-independance capital complex at Chandigarh, the ritualistic flag ceremony at the Pakistan borer at Arrati, the majestic Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar, and the peaceful Hill Station retreat at Shimla. The air quality from Punjab to Himachal Pradesh varied from the most polluted, to the freshest of the entire trip.

I expected top be a bit lonely after my friend Marissa left me, and in missing Thanksgiving with my family for the first time, but thanks to a lucky encounter with Tom from London, I had an excellent traveling companion. And on Thanksgiving feast of Pallak Paneer and Mushroom Curry at Gazal's was the best Indian food of the whole trip!

Chandigarh- Capital Cpmplex

Chandigarh- Ropck Garden

(A wanna-be Parc Guell?)

Attari- The India-Pakistan Border

The Golden Temple- Amritsar

Shimla- Hill Station in the foothills of the Himalayas

Havali Hopping- Ahmedabad and Udaipur

In Ahmedabad, although it is not a very tourist friendly city , I felt at home due to the presence of friends such as Sourja, Romi's boyfriend, and Renu's parents Bhurat and Urmi. Sourja took me to a Navatri Garba at NID (design School), where I got to try some dances, and for a real Gujarati thali, in which waiters drop food onto your metal plate, until with a full belly you wave them away. I also met Renu's parents for tea, and they helped me plan some days trips out to the beautiful sun temple at Modhera, and the ruins of the ancient Hindus civilization of Harrappa at Lothol. I also took some great tours of the old city havali's (large extended family houses known for their craftmanship) and unique Jamma Masjid (Friday Mosque).

After Ahmedabad, I headed to Udaipur, where I enjoyed the beautiful lake and mountain views, ornate palaces, and beautiful havalis, including my hotel.