The week just gone has been full of excitement...The week just flew by. I met another Aussie Expat couple, Melissa and Bruce.....(yes another Bruce! It's a bit like that Monty Python skit with all the Bruce's) arriving in April to begin their Indian assignment here in Vadodara. We got on exceptionally well so am looking forward to their return. They are from our home town yet we didn't know each other until Monday just gone. We do however have many mutual friends, we have since discovered. She brought me TimTams & Anzac Bickies as a gift.
I was invited out to a casual lunch on Monday afternoon with four other expat friends. We decided to be guinea pigs at a new restaurant which had opened the previous day. We gave it the stamp of approval and are having a formal International Club of Baroda function there on Monday evening with partners.
Tuesday as you've probably already read from my previous blog, was my first Sari buying expedition. I was escorted by an Indian friend and was successful in purchasing my very first sari in preparation for the Indian Wedding we've been invited to next week.
Wednesday, we visited the Palace grounds. It is very opulent looking and I am looking forward to doing a tour of the Palace sometime soon. Peacocks graced the well kept lawns. Along with the extravagant palace visit, Melissa and I had pedicures and Indian leg massages at a Salon in town. Very inexpensive, and so relaxing. I'll be taking my friend Andree next week for another girly splurge to do it all again.
Thursday was spent by checking out some new grocery shops with my new found expat friend Melissa. We then ventured into Old City Town to check out the bazaar. We didn't reach the bazaar until around 3:45pm. I usually go in the late morning and whilst it's still bustling, it's nothing like the crazy atmosphere of late afternoon. I really enjoy the crowded bazaar atmosphere...everyone is so friendly and wants to look at you. It seems to really make their day if you give a simple gesture of saying hello or the traditional Indian greeting of 'Namaste' and a big beaming smile. You can really feel the love coming right back at you.
On Friday I had arranged to do lunch with a few expat wives to introduce Melissa into our clan. We were joined by three French expats and lunched at an Italian restaurant. Food was fabulous but far too much....we walked away feeling very satisfied. After lunch we walked up and picked up my Sari which needed to have the hem stitched. I now have my sari ready to wear next Friday evening.
Melissa and her Bruce departed this morning for their long trip back to Australia.
Bruce had his first Indian haircut today....it went well considering the barbers English was fairly non-existent. Only cost AU$5 so can't complain opposed to his Brisbane hairdresser charging $50 for something similar..(the extra $45 must be for the hot towel he's offered in Brisbane).
We are settling in to our environment quite well....still in the hotel but it's comfortable and the staff are superb.....they treat us so well. Hopefully moving into our house in the next few weeks.
The Palace.
Peacock
The Tim Tams & Anzacs Melissa brought me as a gift.