Delhi

a restaurant sign

We return to Delhi, a little disappointed in not being able to see what we wanted, but we understand that we chose the wrong season for a clear view.  Winter in the far north means clouds, rain and sometimes snow.

a wedding car--perhaps a dowry gift

a wedding wagon

On the way back south, we pass many decorated wagons, band wagons, horses and carts and cars for this is wedding season in India.  Big halls and open fields are decorated with banners, bowers and awnings of brightly colored fabric, forming a tunnel-like entry fit for a maharaja, red carpet and all.  Wedding planning is a huge business in India because the culture requires big parties thrown by the parents.  Doweries can include very costly presents for the husband, and all of it can mean a big expense.

girls selling bangles

We locate our final hotel, a lovely home whose owner rents out the bedrooms.  We must make decisions about luggage and what gets checked in the plane and what goes in carry-on with us.  It's been a difficult 4 days north to see the Himalayas, and we're exhausted.  But a good night's sleep should set us back on track.