Bilimora has this gold statue in one of its squares, and we passed it today on the way to a shop. I couldn't help but feel how regal India's past is. There were so many kings and princes and palaces and battles and treaties that make up this rich history, but unfortunately I know hardly any of it. One of my 2014 New Year's resolutions is to read more about Indian history, especially prior to the British conquest.
That resolution is right up there with learn how to cook more Gujarati dishes. The food here has been amazing. I've stayed away from the "delicacies", but even the simple things have been delicious. The eggs from my grandfather's farm have a completely different taste than what you buy from the supermarket in the States. The yoke is a deeper yellow. The whites are whiter. I think that's going to be one of the things I miss the most when I leave. That and the weather. I have yet to wear a jacket since I landed.
Speaking of which, Akhtar will arrive in India on Saturday night. But he's staying in Mumbai for a day, so I won't see him until Sunday morning. It's going to be a crazy few days getting things together, but most likely next Wednesday and Thursday will be somewhat laid back before things get going on Friday afternoon with all of the family events.
I feel like we're at a good place when it comes to completing tasks, but there are still a few major things to do that my Dad needs to handle that are driving me mad because he keeps telling me that I don't need to worry about them. That's like saying I don't need to breathe. If I don't push, I don't think they're going to get done on time correctly. And if I do push, his demeanor is going to kill my mood. It's pretty much a lose lose, but you know what- at this point, I'm going to do everything I can to get things done right, even if it means having my sanity suffer for a few moments from his words. Because I'm too close to have it be ruined now.
Tomorrow, we go to the salon to get a pre-trial of the makeup and hair that will be done for next Friday and Saturday's events. Then Saturday, I go back to Surat to get my wedding outfit and a few other dresses from the tailor. Sunday, I pick up Akhtar and get him settled in Bilimora. Monday, we go back to Valsad to get his outfit and pick up a few more of my dresses (apparently it's tradition for all of my aunts to give me clothes and since I have a lot of aunts, I'll be bringing back a lot of outfits that are going to last me years considering we rarely have an occasion to wear traditional clothes in the States). I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of my family. I've received so many wedding gifts that I know my hands are going to cramp writing out thank you cards. I didn't expect all of this, and I just don't have the words to say how lucky I feel. I'm a very blessed girl to have so many people care about me. Also, because there's a bakery right down the street and I have dibs on fresh cookies of all kinds :-P Don't be surprised when I come back chubby!
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