Poop Sari!

Ever imagine what it's like to lead a group of eight women through the downtown streets of Old Delhi? Chaos doesn't even come close! I felt like a kindergartener again today, holding hands through the overpacked streets. Weaving like a snake through the crowds, I have no idea how we made it in and out alive. And all for some serious sari shopping! I have never experienced anything resembling what it's like to

shop for a sari. You and your crew walk into a storefront. Often ushered upstairs or into the back into a room with a padded floor, an entire room of fabrics is opened up to you and your mates. Every color in the spectrum, fabrics of all kinds and expenses unfold at your feet. Men come over to tie you into the saris with safety pins and velcro. It's just incredible. With the bride, obviously, the most important, the men took to Kristy first. Traditionally, brides in India wear red and are bejeweled, bedazzled and decorated with henna. There are two traditional styles of dress for women at weddings, a lehenga, a combination top and skirt, or a sari, one long piece of material that covers a petticoat and short blouse.  We visited three shops to knock out the wedding wear for six of us.  The bride, mother of the bride, sister of the bride, the groom's aunt, Katie, and me.  The bride chose a gorgeous lehenga, the rest of us saris. The mother of the bride's in particular has a sparkly leopard-like material. Meow!

The majority of us got our saris at a place called Roop Sari. The bag however, once folded seemed to read otherwise. Another good giggle for the gals. Oh, I almost forgot to mention betel nut!

Much like the cocoa leaves chewed at Machu Picchu, here in Indian people chew betel nut. Wrapped up in a leaf, you chew a mixture of the nut and other leaves. Used in Ayurvedic medicine, or just for a quick boost, it's clear who's chewing it. It turns your mouth and tongue bright red. Also thanks to Katie for this pic!