Turning 32 and Henna answers
Sorry for ignoring the Henna questions! I read them and made a mental note to answer and then forgot. Oops. It was applied by professionals, not by me or any family though in a pinch I've done it myself before. Usually in Delhi markets, you'll find a bunch of youngish guys (18-25 yr olds) sitting along sidewalks, with Henna cones and some albums of their work to flip through. I should have taken a picture or better, a video, but it is such a natural thing for me, I didn't think of it! It took 2 guys, 20 minutes total for both hands, and $2. The $2 (Rs.100) is expensive by daily standards because I got it on KarwaChowth, a festival where Henna is a must for married women keeping the fast. Usually it is Rs.50 total for both hands. It lasts for 15 days, though it starts fading away after 2-3 days. When you first remove it after applying, do not wash hands in water if you want it to give a better color. After removing the paste, you let it sit overnight. The rougher your hands are, the better color you'll get. My hands are soft so I have to suffer through questions about my MIL not loving me all that much. Old wives tale - if DIL's henna is lighter, MIL does not love her. Not really true in my case :)
I turn 32 today. I had to work because I'm out of all vacation time. Rather, I'm in negative. Hubby promised to take me out to lunch, if my lunch buddies don't. IF they do, we'll do something else for tonight. Movie is out since we just already watched Madagascar 2 on Saturday.
Comments
Your London photos are excellent. I can't believe how blue the sky is!!! My sister has lived in London for about 8 years now, and I visit regularly. There's still plenty I've not done, and fair amount she's not done... You did a great job in 4 days!!