india trip

This India trip was a whirlwind. Not only was it a short visit — we were in Bangalore for just six days — but we also had two weddings to attend. Sleep deprivation aside, it was awesome to see my grandmother and other relatives, eat authentic South Indian food and really just travel again. It had been a while by my standards.

It was also so refreshing to not shop for myself. Each India visit typically comes with days of me selecting saris and other outfits to bring back to the U.S. because the quality and prices are just so much better there. But I did all that last year. This year was all about gifts for people. And I realized, it can actually be so much more satisfying to shop for other people. I love that hunt of finding just the right thing for the right person. And I love to bargain. The U.S. really needs more haggling options beyond flea markets.

Here’s a photo diary from the trip. Post on Singapore coming at you on Wednesday.

My family typically hires a driver because we have so many places to run around to (it’s really not as expensive as it sounds). But the standard taxi there is called a rickshaw (below).

The view from our hotel was a gorgeous, green vista of Cubbon Park and Vidhana Soudha, a government office where my mom used to work!

We stayed at the J.W. Marriott in Bangalore, a new hotel located in the bougey, expat-filled UB City. But those weren’t the reasons we chose it; my dad is a loyal Marriott guy and has accumulated quite the status with them. Our room was ridiculous, and we were treated to the breakfast buffet of my dreams every morning. I’m talking made-to-order dosas, idlis, croissants, omelets, waffles, pancakes, masala chai and any kind of coffee or espresso we wanted. I’m actually a bit uncomfortable with that sort of royal treatment, but it was special to enjoy it with my parents.

Wedding entrance.

Technically the bride and groom sit on this, but we were late and that was all done with, so I sat for a bit.

Wedding meals are traditionally served on a banana leaf. Servers come and pour each of the foods one by one. Check out my november recap video (the 1:36 mark) to see the service in action.

Jewelry!

We went to an amazing Shiva temple with a 65-foot-tall idol of the god. On the outside it can seem kitschy, but it’s actually built with a lot of thought and purpose. The foundation that constructed it also does a lot of work with rehabilitating burn victims in India.

I had a bit of a reawakening in India. I observed the elders around me and noticed just how much health can deteriorate as we age. People who were once perfectly capable were now dependent on someone for bathrooms visits, eating and basically every other routine we take for granted. It was sad and shocking, but also a little empowering because I realized that I have the tools to make changes. I don’t eat as well as I could and even though I exercise with the dog, it’s not the same as doing something that’s less aerobic and more about mind-body-soul like yoga. (Most of this came from my India visit, but a recent story I was working on about Chinese medicine also inspired me.) Anyway, I hate to sound hippie-dippy, but I’m excited to make a change.

All that to say: I also picked up some ayurvedic goodies in Bangalore. Turmeric toothpaste is supposed to do wonders for teeth whitening!

And though I didn’t do any clothes shopping, I did buy a rug! I had been wanting one for our cold tile floors since we moved here, but U.S. prices are mind-boggling. Two hundred dollars for some crappy beige rug? No thanks. I got this rug for $30 from a wholesale market, and I’m in love with how it completes our living room. But not as much as Teddy is in love with sprawling out on it. Special thanks to my aunt, cousin, mom and dad for trekking to the insanely crowded City Market for this gem!

And while I was gone, Eaman launched his business BoxedGreen! If you’re moving, you can now find cheap, gently used boxes from your local retailer for just $1 each. Stores always have good quality boxes left over from product shipments, so why not reuse them, save yourself some money, time and trees? The service just launched in San Diego — partner stores include West Elm, Progress, establish and The Grove — but will be expanding soon. Yay!

Ever since I met Eaman nearly 8 years ago, he told me he wanted to be an entrepreneur. I’m thrilled that it’s finally happening and couldn’t be more proud. To celebrate, I ordered him his favorite dessert, a mille crepe cake from Lady M Bakery in Manhattan. It’s seriously the best. Yes, I’m starting to take better care of myself, but it’s about balance; I’m not saying no to special occasions.

See you on Wednesday with Singapore snaps!