Pooja (prayer at their home)Local

The girls helping to prepare flower offerings

local priests preparing flower offerings 

The pooja itself which takes place at the front of the room in front of the image of Ganesh (the wooden statue in front of the wall) and with only the priests, the newlyweds (2 on the left) and the parents of the groom (2 in the center). Its essentially a private affair - they are seated with backs to everyone the whole time and you are there to watch them participate in this ritual. Will post later a video of the chanting, which I enjoyed. 

Toward the end a women came around marking everyone's forehead and neck with spice powders (I presume)

A visit to Hyderabad

For one afternoon of the wedding weekend, we took a quick trip into Hyderabad with a recommended guide...who was the best guide I've had in India by the way. 

everywhere you go, people want to take pictures with you. we usually say no but agreed for this gentlemen who proceeded not just to take a picture but pose the girls (arm around his daughter) for a series of photos...hilarious.

In front of Charminar, one of the famous sites. We're with a work colleague and her two daughters. 

This and next are a stop in a locally famous persian tea shop

Hyderabad is famous for its bangles...yes, we indulged. 

 

bangle making

hand embroidery of saree blouses

traveling with other kids is the best! for everyone.

Out and About

Halloween

Not really sure exactly but...

Good friends

Weaving center in Orissa

New and old friends of New England

Lobster dinner for my 45th birthday!

RR (Roommate Reunion) #??

This summer we were in Restoule, Ontario for our reunion.

Beijing

I was fortunate to go to Beijing for a few days for work this summer. Below are a few pictures from the one free morning I had to do a quick tour of the Forbidden City. 

 

Loved this door and the cool gold design above my head

The things they carried

By far my favorite potential photo essay topic would be 'what you can carry on two wheels.' Unfortunately, capturing pictures is usually of moving vehicles from a moving car and all my photos are crud. But that won't stop me from posting a few...I have a new-found appreciation (even beyond what I've seen traveling in other countries previously) for that which one can transport...makes me wonder why we think we need an SUV for the things we have...I'll add to this post as I go. So many amazing shots I haven't yet captured. 

First of all, the two-wheeler is ubiquitous...this is part of my commute. Always colorful to see who drives by.

Definitely the way many kids get to school. These two boys are going to get dropped off. 

Family outings 

Trips to the market...