nuances of India

Have you ever had 5 women crowding around you, shoving bright colors in your face while giggling? Yes, this is my shopping experience in India. Tonight when I went two girls a few years my younger, who were also shopping, joined in on the fun. “A1!” They squealed when I tried on a pink suit (indian dress). One of the women dressed in the store’s uniform sari pointed to the mannequin and said same color then pointed to my skin. Nevery have I felt so white before, but yes, the mannequin had a tan paint on, similar to my Caucasian skin. I think she was trying to enforce the fact pink was a “sooooper” color on. Despite the flattery, I went with a different dress.

I will be in India during Christmas and right before New Years eve, and just like many homes in the US are embellished with strings of lights, many homes in India are decorated, as well. Rather than flashy lights, big, paper stars offer celebration. Indian homes are often quirky. On a drive in Kerala I saw a bright orange, followed by a bright green, and then a bright pink one. So much color. I fit right in here. Also, I have spotted multiple men driving pink scooters, and just like peeing on random walls, they don’t seem to care one bit.

Xoxo With shanti,

mel