Back on Base

[lakshmi_amman]

Hi gang,

I'm back on Base from Mysore Part II.

Truth is, I'm home sick.  Homesickness means nothing is as much fun as it might be, and I think Mysore Part II had more downs than ups.  That said, the wedding part was really fun, as was meeting Amma's best friend Reka.  Although we didn't talk a ton, I like her very much.  Her English is very good and

Comments

[lioritgioret]

It would be funny, but not that untypical, to find that actual Indian persons call them "dress sets" and we are just making odd ethnic fuss to call them salwaar kameez when nobody who really uses them does so. However, I was so *proud* of knowing "salwaar kameez" that I might have to keep saying it for a while. The myth I was given is that to be "dressed" in India you need three layers on top, and the dupatta is there to provide third layer (bra, kameez, dupatta v. bra, choli, sari). I'm thinking that might be old fashioned or just another myth for the tourists.
I've never been to S&W either, but they are in the castle downtown, which is cool, and they are supposed to be Big Steakhouseness. So we should go play with their food.
I sold more saris than yardage at Birka, which is new. And did only a little worse than last year. Anyway you may see yet more sari-wearers if you go to Pennsic! My table was right near the dancing, which may have helped. The music tired the dog out, though.
Anyway enjoy the rest of your trip and be prepared for 16-degree weather Friday night, and I will hope to see you next week.

[lakshmi_amman]

I think everything in India has a few reasons. The bindi is fashionable, it balances your chakras and thus makes you more beautiful, or it protects you from the evil eye. Depends on who you ask.

I have heard the 3 layer tale too. I get the feeling that the "I must have a dupatta" thing is definitely old school. But then I am hanging out with very liberal women. Not only are they generally liberal - educated, fiesty, be all you can be - sorts of ladies, but also we are here in Bangalore, which is both a big city and a fashion hub. They set the trends. So asking someone from Chennai (which is more provincial) might get a different answer.

For all I know, "salwar kameez" or "salwar suits" may be a Northern term, too...

Great to hear you did OK at Birka! I'm tempted now to teach a class on How to Be a Tomboy in a Sari - because after Hampi, I'm feeling pretty good about my ability to be Indiana Jones while still wearing a sari. :)

Bracing myself for the cold!

[new_man]

S & W is all right. Fleming's, which is diagonally across the street, is better.

[lioritgioret]

Thanks. I probably want to try both.

[lakshmi_amman]

OK. But not in one night.

:P

[lioritgioret]

Indeed, probably not in one *month*! But I'll let you choose which one we go to first to celebrate your return.