Localized

It was my first time to attend an Indian Dinner Party. I had typical expectations of being served Indian food (veg or non-veg), being asked to drink Indian wine, hearing not only Hindi language but all sorts of state dialects (Tamil*, Marathi**, etc.), and being asked where is Philippines (pronounced as fee-lee-payns).

I was amazed at the similarities and differences.

I guess no matter where you are, the party will not start at the exact time stated on the invitation.
Girls would always like to dress up and it takes a long time for us to get ready for a party. (Especially since they had to drape the saree for me.)
Guys would always like to drink and smoke.
There's usually one office colleague who would bring his son or daughter in the celebration.

The similarities would stop there.

I was surprised when they started giving gifts to the hosts of the party. All of them stood up and clapped while the host opened the gift. Then after showing appreciation, the gift would then get passed for everyone to see.
When it's time to leave, you have to shake hands with everyone to ensure that you enjoyed the party.

PS.
I thought that it would be difficult to wear and carry a saree the whole night. Surprisingly, I felt comfortable wearing it (too comfortable that I'm looking forward to wearing a saree back home - hehehe).
I learned funny Marathi words (nalayek - useless; veda - mad/crazy; bawlat - stupid; dekna - handsome) and used them.
A woman wearing a bindi*** on the forehead signifies two things: (1) you're married; (2) you're highlighting your destiny because they say that your forehead is where your destiny lies.

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*Tamil - language spoken by people from the Tamil Nadu state (where Chenna is located).
**Marathi - language spoken by people from the Maharashthra state (where Mumbai is located).
***bindi - dot or jeweled accessory placed on the middle of the forehead

Two for One

I met a French lawyer last Sunday. He generously offered a ride to the hotel. For some reason, they didn't have my flight details and did not send a car for me. Rather than waiting for them to send the car, I graciously accepted his offer.

I met a Nepalese chauffeur last Monday. I was so happy when I found out he's from Nepal. I have been wanting to visit that country ever since I met Tikka (that Nepalese bellhop in Sydney). The driver told stories about Kathmandu and the neighboring Bhutan and they made
me smile.

Thinking about these two nice stories made me forget about the irritating and frustrating day I had. =)

Letter from Unni

Let me share you the letter I received from Unnikrishnan:

Respected Mam,

Since I was not sure that these clothes were laundry because there was 'No Laundry Slip' so I didn't take these for laundry.
If this is for laundry kindly place the laundry slip along with the clothes or at least switch on the laundry sign at the entrance.
Kindly cooperate with us to serve 'u' better.

Thanking You,

- Unnikrishnan [Housekeeping]

Here's my reply:
*NOT FOR LAUNDRY. Thanks.
___________

I actually felt like she was scolding me and reprimanding me for not following instructions. Oh well, I guess it's my fault. I wanted to separate my dirty clothes from my clean ones so I used the laundry bag and left it on the table. I did not really plan to have them washed yesterday so I didn't fill up the laundry form. I am now finding it funny because I am such an uncooperative guest. Hahaha...