HOLI!!!!!!!!!!
What a crazy day. Seriously. I have not had that much fun in a long time. Holi is a festival of springtime, and is all about friendship and community. And attacking each other with colored powder and water of course. This is one of the greatest holidays is existence, in my humble opinion. Children and adults alike are in on the fun, participating with wild abandon. Everyone is your friend on this day, so friendly in fact, that they have no qualms about dumping a huge bucket of colored water over your head. Multiple times. It really is what it looks like on the internet- people gathering in groups throwing colored powder at each other. The joy in the air is just as palpable as the colors. Everyone puts aside their worries for one day and runs wild in the streets. It was exactly what I needed to bounce me out of my funk yesterday.
As you've read I've been mentally preparing for this holiday all week, but none of the dread I carried with me appeared on this day. I was ready and willing to participate!! I woke up and got dressed in my Holi clothes. Now, you're supposed to wear things that you can throw away, but I only brought 3 pairs of pants and ~7 shirts so my selection was limited. I chose to wear a tye dye shirt from home (appropriate I thought) and a pair of black pants I purchased here which I really like, but can buy another pair easily for ~Rp150 (~$3). All 6 of us, Auntie's granddaughter, and the household staff gathered on the roof and Holi began! We all ran around like crazy people throwing colors and water at one another with wild abandon. I haven't felt such child-like joy in longer than I care to admit. It was a really freeing and joyous experience for me. You will all be happy to know that I actually enjoyed being quite dirty, and I think you'll be shocked at the below pictures lol.
3 of the others left for a party, and we were left wondering what to do so I suggested walking down to our friend Carmen's house because we heard she was having a shindig. Now, walking the streets during Holi is a dangerous experience. There are children literally lining the streets with every model water gun, and colored powder, imaginable. Luckily we were already covered in those things, so we just laughed our way down to Carmen's house under siege.
Carmen's family invited us to a Holi party and naturally we accepted. For Rp 300 we got 3 all you can eat buffets, a dance floor, and plenty of people to chat with! We all started with their versions of street food (Stuff we wish we could eat on a daily basis but can't because it's not safe on the street. But it was here!) and drinks. But then we were pulled on to the dance floor. And I will have you know that I did dance. Unembarrassed. And loved it!! I guess I'll have to try it more often. We left after a few hours and I immediately hopped in the shower!! Or, started running the water for a bucket bath, is more like it.
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY!!!!!
Today is just full of good things and celebrations :)
I wanted to take this opportunity the thank the most important woman in my life- my loving Mom. She is such an amazing woman and so important to me. Without her, I would not be where I am today. She has always allowed me to follow my dreams no matter how implausible- professional opera singer? Of course dear. India? ...you're sure...? Whatever makes you happy, she says. And that is the most important phrase a parent can say to a child, besides I love you which, I am lucky enough to hear everyday :) I love you mom. I can't wait to come home and see you!! (And have your cooking... <3 )
What a crazy day. Seriously. I have not had that much fun in a long time. Holi is a festival of springtime, and is all about friendship and community. And attacking each other with colored powder and water of course. This is one of the greatest holidays is existence, in my humble opinion. Children and adults alike are in on the fun, participating with wild abandon. Everyone is your friend on this day, so friendly in fact, that they have no qualms about dumping a huge bucket of colored water over your head. Multiple times. It really is what it looks like on the internet- people gathering in groups throwing colored powder at each other. The joy in the air is just as palpable as the colors. Everyone puts aside their worries for one day and runs wild in the streets. It was exactly what I needed to bounce me out of my funk yesterday.
As you've read I've been mentally preparing for this holiday all week, but none of the dread I carried with me appeared on this day. I was ready and willing to participate!! I woke up and got dressed in my Holi clothes. Now, you're supposed to wear things that you can throw away, but I only brought 3 pairs of pants and ~7 shirts so my selection was limited. I chose to wear a tye dye shirt from home (appropriate I thought) and a pair of black pants I purchased here which I really like, but can buy another pair easily for ~Rp150 (~$3). All 6 of us, Auntie's granddaughter, and the household staff gathered on the roof and Holi began! We all ran around like crazy people throwing colors and water at one another with wild abandon. I haven't felt such child-like joy in longer than I care to admit. It was a really freeing and joyous experience for me. You will all be happy to know that I actually enjoyed being quite dirty, and I think you'll be shocked at the below pictures lol.
 |
| Thanks to Jayme for the great group pic :) See if you can figure out which one I am haha! |
 |
| After Holi 1 at the house |
3 of the others left for a party, and we were left wondering what to do so I suggested walking down to our friend Carmen's house because we heard she was having a shindig. Now, walking the streets during Holi is a dangerous experience. There are children literally lining the streets with every model water gun, and colored powder, imaginable. Luckily we were already covered in those things, so we just laughed our way down to Carmen's house under siege.
Carmen's family invited us to a Holi party and naturally we accepted. For Rp 300 we got 3 all you can eat buffets, a dance floor, and plenty of people to chat with! We all started with their versions of street food (Stuff we wish we could eat on a daily basis but can't because it's not safe on the street. But it was here!) and drinks. But then we were pulled on to the dance floor. And I will have you know that I did dance. Unembarrassed. And loved it!! I guess I'll have to try it more often. We left after a few hours and I immediately hopped in the shower!! Or, started running the water for a bucket bath, is more like it.
 |
| After Holi 2 at the partyWhat a wonderful experience. Good, messy fun with good friends :) It was exactly what I needed to counteract how I was feeling yesterday. |
 |
| Close up of the damage. I was actually quite clean by this time if you can believe it |
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY!!!!!
Today is just full of good things and celebrations :)
I wanted to take this opportunity the thank the most important woman in my life- my loving Mom. She is such an amazing woman and so important to me. Without her, I would not be where I am today. She has always allowed me to follow my dreams no matter how implausible- professional opera singer? Of course dear. India? ...you're sure...? Whatever makes you happy, she says. And that is the most important phrase a parent can say to a child, besides I love you which, I am lucky enough to hear everyday :) I love you mom. I can't wait to come home and see you!! (And have your cooking... <3 )
 |
| My and 2 of my fave ladies <3 |
Holi looks like it was fun, so I'm delighted you enjoyed it! Speaking of showers, I was trying to remember what the one in Mexico was like -- shower, no curtain, wand, low pressure -- sounds familiar to your situation. :) Where else are you interested in traveling? I've posted the pic of you standing between 2 elephants in my cube at work; thinking of you frequently, with love.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of my shower, I fill up a bucket...and that's it. I use a bucket to bathe!
DeleteIn terms of travelling, I want to go absolutely everywhere! Of everything on my list, the China/Japan areas and South America are lowest on my list. Australia, Madagascar, and Greece are probably the highest.
Hi Sweetie,
ReplyDeleteOK, now I'm crying, in a good way of course!! You are such a dear, and loved so much!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to see you and put my arms around you (and cook for you:)!! I'm happy to be patient knowing you're having an experience of a lifetime!! Thank you for the beautiful, wonderful, heartfelt words:):):):):)
Bursting with pride and love,
Mom
Of course Mom- I meant every word <3 Off to Amritsar!!
DeleteHi Again,
ReplyDeleteHoli sounds fabulous!!!! I'm so glad you went out of your comfort zone!! And it gave you just the lift you needed, and then some:)You just never know:) I would have loved to have seen you enjoy these moments. I love the photos! I will just have to use my imagination to fill in the gaps, and I'm smiling from ear to ear:)
Love and hugs,
Mom <3 <3 <3
I think someone took pictures of the action- we shall see :)
DeleteWhat a wonderful post, sweetie. You're such a dear. I'm so glad it was fun, and I hope you have many more experiences just like it.
ReplyDeleteI just loved the Mom bit, and everyone is right when they say you have such a gift with words. Keep having fun, and in colorful ways!
Love
Daddy