I neglected to mention one event that occured our first night in Agra.
Before we left for India, we were told that the tourist days of our trip were really up to us; of course we would see the Taj Mahal, but everything else was fairly flexible and we should have in mind what we wanted to see and do.
My mental bucket list consisted of two things: 1) Ride an elephant, and 2) See an Indian wedding.
Both of these wishes were granted, because we had an awesome tour guide. I have since learned to be careful what I wish for, however.
Mere hours after I expressed my wish to see an Indian wedding, we found ourselves approaching one as we drove along. Our tour guide, Benson, pointed it out to us, and we hurriedly whipped out the cameras and watched for the precious few seconds we passed. A procession lined with huge orbs of light carried by actual people met our gaze. On the inside of the lights was a massive crowd of very colorful people, most of which were dancing. A tired-looking groom perched on top a white house brought up the rear, and altogether, the scene was dazzling. Noting our disappointed looks for only seeing a glimpse of this, Benson suggested we pull over and get out of the van to have a better look. So we jumped out of the van and stood gawking and snapping pictures, like tourists that we were.
A few VERY happy individuals in the procession decided to invite the sleep-deprived American family to join the wedding march. Excitedly, we approached the lights and the crowd, because why not? You don't get to be a part of an Indian wedding every day.
Everyone seemed very thrilled by our presence. A man scooped Lydia up to dance with her, which is when Mom appeared ready to be done. Money kept being thrown out by people, and quickly taken by others. A band played very loud music somewhere right behind us. The blaring music and the glaring lights, and the merrily dancing people all had a very surreal effect on my sleepy mind.
And as intoxicated strangers grabbed our hands to dance with us, and the trumpets vibrated the air by our ears, I realized something. One item on my bucket list was checked off. Very much so.
Before we left for India, we were told that the tourist days of our trip were really up to us; of course we would see the Taj Mahal, but everything else was fairly flexible and we should have in mind what we wanted to see and do.
My mental bucket list consisted of two things: 1) Ride an elephant, and 2) See an Indian wedding.
Both of these wishes were granted, because we had an awesome tour guide. I have since learned to be careful what I wish for, however.
Mere hours after I expressed my wish to see an Indian wedding, we found ourselves approaching one as we drove along. Our tour guide, Benson, pointed it out to us, and we hurriedly whipped out the cameras and watched for the precious few seconds we passed. A procession lined with huge orbs of light carried by actual people met our gaze. On the inside of the lights was a massive crowd of very colorful people, most of which were dancing. A tired-looking groom perched on top a white house brought up the rear, and altogether, the scene was dazzling. Noting our disappointed looks for only seeing a glimpse of this, Benson suggested we pull over and get out of the van to have a better look. So we jumped out of the van and stood gawking and snapping pictures, like tourists that we were.
A few VERY happy individuals in the procession decided to invite the sleep-deprived American family to join the wedding march. Excitedly, we approached the lights and the crowd, because why not? You don't get to be a part of an Indian wedding every day.
Everyone seemed very thrilled by our presence. A man scooped Lydia up to dance with her, which is when Mom appeared ready to be done. Money kept being thrown out by people, and quickly taken by others. A band played very loud music somewhere right behind us. The blaring music and the glaring lights, and the merrily dancing people all had a very surreal effect on my sleepy mind.
And as intoxicated strangers grabbed our hands to dance with us, and the trumpets vibrated the air by our ears, I realized something. One item on my bucket list was checked off. Very much so.
No comments:
Post a Comment