Being Fitted

Jan 29- The team became more acquainted over brunch that our young wait staff had prepared for us. Leta, Bijorn, Ursala, Margaret and Madita were an international representation of SE over the globe from Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands. My longtime friend and colleague, Jeanne duRivage from New Mexico days, is also on the team: mischief and merriment cannot be too far away with the two of us! All team with remarkable backgrounds and talent makes me feel humble and grateful to here.




But our day was not to be devoted to learning about one another, but to be spent shopping and being transformed into our beautiful Sari selves! Mimansa and her dear sister-in-law Deena took us on a whirlwind of shops with so many textures, colours and choices. Ready-made wear, yes, but the real excitement was about being fitted in full sari for Raja and Cecile's wedding later in the month. I cannot express to you how absolutely beautiful and gorgeous these materials were. I eventually was overtaken by a piece of deep burgandy with brilliant gold edging and accent embroidery which absolutely brought out all colour and life in my face. I know I will feel quite regal and elegant wearing this to Raja's wedding.

I am falling in love of course with India: such a mix of horror and beauty in one breath. The poverty is knee-buckling with images of begging women with babies in arms, emaciated dogs roaming the streets and constant horns blaring from insane traffic. Dodging on-coming cars and scooters from both directions is an art, which I do not feel well adapted to at all. I follow Mimansa like a duckling any time we are on the street; being on my own would be overwhelming in Bombay/Mumbai. But then being awoken at dawn by the prayers of a mosque next to our apartments in that ethereal way pulls open your heart. How can you not love India? It feels like one of those fatal love affairs in which you realize danger is afoot, but you have absolutely no control over your heart.