Busy in Bangalore

Hello!!



A picture of the Mysore house where we are staying.



The past couple of days have been very busy and action packed!  We left for Bangalore on Friday evening in a eight person car with eleven people for a 4 hour ride.  Every time I get in a car in India, I have to say to myself "We're in India...keep that in mind" becuase  I have about 10 mini heart attacks a minute and one spaz attack per car ride.  To say the least, it's better to throw caution to the wind and just close your eyes.

We attended a wedding for RJ's cousin that started with a Reception this past Saturday.  It was a beautiful venue with flowers flowing all over the stage.  The women's sarees were like bursts of color throught the room ranging from cobalt blue and deep purple stripes with gold thread woven throughout to bright orange and fire engine red with yellow thread and beading.  They are made with great detail!  The wedding itself was different from an American wedding in that people do not sit and watch while everything happens.  I'll be adding some photos of the wedding.

RJ and I in Sarees for the wedding!

Yesterday we went to the Banashankari Temple in Bangalore which was an awesome experience.  The priests were cleaning and dressing the statues of the gods and decorating the area with woven flowers and offerings that were brought by the people.  It was a very spiritual experience that I will never forget!  Regardless of which higher power you believe in, it's a very awesome experience.

Stay tuned! 

~Hannah and RJ

Which day is it?

I have been SO confused as to which day it is here!!  haha.  I have been thrown off guard by the time change and my zombie-like status during the travel because morning (at 5:30am) I thought it was Friday when it's actually Thursday and I wasn't sure if I had accidentally slept for a full 24 hours!  I'm going to have to have a calendar handy for moments like that  Perhaps I'll keep a daily journal just to keep myself on track.

Yesterday was a day of resting and much napping.  I actually surprised myself because I usually don't nap in general and not only did I nap, but I actually got good sleep!  Whoop Whoop!  RJ's family came to visit and I got to meet her grandparents, and her Aunties and Uncles.  I feel so lucky to be able to meet them and they have welcomed me with open arms. :)

Tomorrow we will be staying in Mysore and preparing for RJ's cousin's wedding on Saturday.  I'm not completely sure what that entails, but I can't wait to find out!  I'm sure it will definitely be a cultural experience.

Saturday we will be traveling to Bangalore and staying with RJ's auntie.  This is where the wedding is being held until Tuesday.  I'm so excited to be wearing traditional clothes to the wedding because they are absolutely BEAUTIFUL!

okay...I only have a certain amount of time here at the internet cafe and my time is running low. I hope everyone is doing well back home and stay tuned!

<3 Hannah (and RJ)

30 hours later....

Disclaimer:  I wrote this email the night we arrived in Mysore, but was unable to send it due to lack of internet.  So here it is now...

We have arrived!!  After a long, tiring, sometimes boring, and physically taxing plane ride and car ride, we have finally made it!  There was a point when I thought we never would.  It took us 30 hours total from the departure from RDU to our arrival in Mysore.  Unbelievable.  I will never complain about short travel times again after this trip!  It always boggles my mind how I'm so tired after traveling when I'm resting the whole time anyways.  With that said, I need to sleep because it's night time here.  Goodnight everyone!  Stay tuned.

~Hannah

And so it begins…

Sitting in the terminal we've had time to imagine the adventure that lies ahead of us.  I'm surprisingly calm and relaxed despite the excitement.  An airport is such an interesting place full of people bustling about from one destination to another.  I'd love to know where everyone is going!  So much excitement!  Ahhh...whew.   Okay, I've got to go.  I'm way too distracted by everyone here to be writing this post.  It's taken me about 20 minutes to compose these few sentences! Haha. 

Stay tuned!  Goodbye from RDU!

Is this really happening?

Well...I have less than one week till we leave for India!!  It is so overwhelmingly exciting that I can hardly contain myself when I think about it.  AHHHHHHH YAY! I am so fortunate to be able to have this experience, I want everyone I love to come too!!

Since I have less than one week till departure that means that it's crunch time!  What does one bring to India?  I'll make do with whatever I decide to bring. 

It still feels like this trip isn't even happening.  One of my best friends is getting married the Saturday before I leave and I couldn't be happier for her!  I've been focused on her wedding for the past week since it's soon approaching as well.  This is such an exciting time for her family and friends and I feel so lucky that she asked me to be a part of this amazing time in her life. :)  Love you Britt!

My next post will probably be in one week...fyi.

Excitement is in The Air!

   Today marks the 2 week countdown to India!  Am I ready?  Ha, not yet...but I will be.  I have all the logistics down, but as far as packing...I have yet to make a dent.  I've got time.  The anticipation is building and I can hardly contain myself!!