Our first stop is a temple I've been wanting to visit for a long time - Akshardham. It's a beautiful place and so incredible peaceful - if they would have let me bring in lunch and a book, I could have stayed there forever. But, it's sad that in order for it to be that peaceful, security is tighter than a baby's poophole. You have to check pretty much EVERYTHING in. The security pat down was...well, let's say, they should have bought me dinner first. This sign, if you can see it, says it all. I don't know why chocolate is not allowed, but good thing I left my iron chains in America! And of course, drunkards are not allowed. =)
That being said, the statutes in there were incredible. The stonework was just amazing. It's hard to describe. You just had to be there. Sucks no pictures.
So, we wandered around that place for awhile. I was getting pretty tired already. So, we head to the next site, which is Red Fort.
This is why the stink of Chandni Chowk is incredible! Even though, no one seems to use it, they just whip it out anywhere on the sidewalk...
We had already seen Agra Fort in Agra, so this was just another mini tour of Mughol architecture. When we got there, however, the line for security was huge - it is a Saturday and since we had seen the bigger thing, we left. And I was getting cranky and tired.
We tried to go eat, but that was busy too, so we just came home where I went nappy time.
I woke up just in time for everyone to come in and we went to practice our dancing. The gym was full this time, so we tried to practice in the hallway - I'm sure security was laughing at us from the cameras...but then we were told we were too noisy (it is an Indian song after all) so we took a break. We were trying to re-write the choreography so there was more butt shaking and general silliness.
Back to the room to get ready for the engagement party, which, thankfully, was taking place in this hotel. We just had to go downstairs. I also wrapped the bridal present with whatever I could had made some home-made flowers, stars, and hearts with the hotel stationary. Bent the paperclips into inter-locking hearts and cut out a heart shaped card for us to sign. Then I had my friend organize it properly and we all signed up. Yay!
The clothing I borrowed were a bit big and definitely too long, I kept on tripping over myself. And it turns out, we needed to pin our scarves to our shoulders - so I ended up sewing the scarves to all of our shoulders and I ended up having to sew my friend into her kurta. Fun times, I know. So, when we were all pinned up, we finally headed downstairs.
The festivities have already started - since, apparently, India refuses to allow me to run on time. We did manage to catch the ring exchange ceremony. Then the dancing started. Everyone had their little routine to do. Then it was our turn and my stomach was doing flips! You'd think I'd be calm. But once the music started, it was much better. I messed up and some of the girls was watching me messed up with me. But it was fun. We got cheers and compliments. Video on FB later.
Then the general hubub of a engagement party - dancing (Indian style), drinking (lychee juice..mmmm) and dinner (buffet!!) See pictures. And of course, general silliness by my group. Tomorrow will be a long time, but hopefully nothing too stressful. I did trip over my dress many a times.....but no falling! TA DA!
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