Hello from India

[trudy]

Hi everyone well I have been here a few days now and slowly getting into the chaotic life of a wedding home in Jaipur, or the pink city as it's sometimes known.  We left Adelaide last Wednesday and flew to KL in Malaysia staying ovrnight before heading on to Delhi the nexxt evening.  We arrived 5 hours later and stayed overnight in a lovely Hotel.  Our friends had organised a car and driver to meet us at the airport, take us to the hotel and then the next day drive the 5 hours to Jaipur.  In Australia it would just take us 2 and a half hours to drive the same distance but with all the traffic, cows, camels, elephants and even some roadworks here it is a much longer journey but great to see the changes ssince wewere last here.
Upon arrival we were greeted with a traditional welcome.  Red dye with grains of rice were placed on our forheads, a piecce of sugar given to us to eat and there were ladies there to sing a greeting to us.
The next few days have been full of the starting ceremonies for the wedding.  As the groom had not undergone the tradional thread ceremony that would usually happen when he was young as he was at boarding school they decided to do it before he got married.  Most of the guests had not seen this performed as it's rare now to be done.
Tomorrow there is to a formal greeting when the brides parents come bringing gifts for the groom and his parents and a formal request for them to be present at the marriage.  Unlike us the grooms Mum is not allowed at the marriage but will attend the dinner in the evening.  This goes back to when the groom and his attendants rode out to another village or town to get married and Rajputs have continued this custom.  Nowsays some women will attend but these are mainly younger ones.  Hopefully I will be able to logon again and tell you a little more as we go.

[Greyhoundmum]

Hi Trudy how wonderful to hear about a traditional Indian wedding. Thanks for sharing, enjoy!

[Cornish Cream]

Lovely to hear from you Trudy.India sounds very interesting especially the details about the forthcoming wedding ceremony.I look forward to hearing more about your adventures.

[trudy]

Thought you might like to see some photos of our travels.

[Cuilidh]

Wow, what an experience.  I will look forward to further instalments of your trip if you have the time or opportunity to get ont he computer.  Are you related to either the bride or groom?  Hope you have a wonderful time over there.

[Wonder]

Trudy, thanks for taking the time to include us all. What an experience.

[Emme]

What a wonderful experience and so interesting to hear all about the wedding preparations.  Thankyou for sharing. 
Marie

[Frozzie]

Lovely for you to update everyone on the forum of your trip trudy... A lovely experience..thanks for sharing 😘

[dede]

Wow Trudy, it's interesting to hear about other country's traditions. Sounds like your having a great time. I look forward to reading more of your posts

[Katiej]

Hi Trudy, thanks for sharing the photo and details on your trip so far. It's always interesting to hear how things are done in different cultures.

Enjoy the rest of your holiday!

[obbie]

Thanks Trudy, enjoy the holiday

[mcmich]

Sounds like a wonderful experience Trudy.

[gertbysea]

Trudy thank you  so much for sharing.  Very interesting. Hope we can see some pics of the wedding.

A bit different from Cookie's trip!

Gert

[Mama Fergie]

It sounds wonderful Trudy. It's great to hear firsthand about different traditions.
What an amazing experience.  Look forward to further updates and more photos if you have time.
Enjoy the trip and the wedding.
India is on our to do list 

[Halex]

Loving hearing all about it.