and already I've seen some of my favorite hotties in the dining room. Don't let my husband hear that I've been noticing some prime examples of TDH (tall, dark and handsome) while I've been here, but I'm sure he hasn't missed the gorgeous Indian women either. You'd have to be blind!
I've tried to describe them in the writing journal I brought with me. Seriously. Their skin runs the gamut from the strong coffee we have in the morning--to the same with lots of milk. Some are built like the solid mahogany furniture. And many have that long, wiry frame with flat stomachs. Yet some of the guests in this 5 star hotel look like they've been living high off the hog for a little too long, and they carry all of it in their bellies. I'm not critiquing, believe me, my figure could use some major improvements. I'm just noticing details the way a good writer would.
My husband is jealous of their thick, black hair. And seriously, it's ebony black. Sometimes I swear I can see a slight blue shine...not like Veronica's hair in the Archie comics, but almost. It's usually wavy. My hubby's is straight, more salt than pepper and it seems to be a little thinner each day. But he still looks good to me.
It's a good thing I'm in the business of spinning fantasies. This place is rich with inspiration! The men here seem to be just as interested in affairs of the heart as the women are. Valentines Day is new here, but it's taking off with bang! (Oops, pun almost not intended.)
So, I'd better get off this computer and either work on improving my first draft of Strange Confessions or jot down more ideas...or take a cold shower!
Ash
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Day two in Bangelore
2/9 here /2/8 there.
Today my husband’s company sent a cab over to take me shopping. The driver was very helpful. He took me to the nicer shops and waited for me each time. We were gone from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. His English is a little broken, but I’d be no better trying to converse in French—and forget Hindi. It’s a beautiful language, both spoken and written, but sooo many syllables.
I spent way more than I expected to. And I absolutely suck at bargaining. What’s weird is that things I thought would be outrageously expensive weren’t nearly as bad as I would have thought. For instance, a bangle bracelet made of rubies…don’t know how many, it’s covered with them, only cost me 675 rupees. That’s about $14.00. I got two. And a few things cost more than I thought they should have. But did I try to get the price down? No.
Like I said, I suck at this. It probably all came out in the wash.
And speaking of clothes, have you ever felt way underdressed for the party? Well, that’s how I’ve been feeling wearing my jeans and t-shirts when all these women are wearing beautiful saris. I managed to get a few to pose for me. However, today I got some gorgeous silk clothing for myself! I got 2 beautiful churidars. They’re like silk pajama bottoms and a long tunic-often worn with a scarf. I'm trying to iron them, but silk is so hard to iron, I had to take a break! So, I probably spent too much and still haven’t found the massively big chandelier earrings I thought India was famous for. Maybe next week in Chennai.
Got some photos but will need my hubby to help me upload them, so check back later!
Back to the ironing board.
Ash
Today my husband’s company sent a cab over to take me shopping. The driver was very helpful. He took me to the nicer shops and waited for me each time. We were gone from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. His English is a little broken, but I’d be no better trying to converse in French—and forget Hindi. It’s a beautiful language, both spoken and written, but sooo many syllables.
I spent way more than I expected to. And I absolutely suck at bargaining. What’s weird is that things I thought would be outrageously expensive weren’t nearly as bad as I would have thought. For instance, a bangle bracelet made of rubies…don’t know how many, it’s covered with them, only cost me 675 rupees. That’s about $14.00. I got two. And a few things cost more than I thought they should have. But did I try to get the price down? No.
Like I said, I suck at this. It probably all came out in the wash.
And speaking of clothes, have you ever felt way underdressed for the party? Well, that’s how I’ve been feeling wearing my jeans and t-shirts when all these women are wearing beautiful saris. I managed to get a few to pose for me. However, today I got some gorgeous silk clothing for myself! I got 2 beautiful churidars. They’re like silk pajama bottoms and a long tunic-often worn with a scarf. I'm trying to iron them, but silk is so hard to iron, I had to take a break! So, I probably spent too much and still haven’t found the massively big chandelier earrings I thought India was famous for. Maybe next week in Chennai.
Got some photos but will need my hubby to help me upload them, so check back later!
Back to the ironing board.
Ash
Monday, February 8, 2010
A day in India and I'm already overwhelmed.
We left at 8 p.m. Friday and arrived at 5 a.m. Sunday somewhat worse for wear, but that's International travel for ya. We spent hours packed like sardines with turbulence much of the way. It felt like months in a shipping container. Fortunately, we recovered from jet lag pretty quickly. Now it's Monday afternoon and I'm hanging out at the hotel while hubby is at work somewhere here in Bangalore. It's a good thing they sent a cab for him, because driving here is insane.
Yesterday, I saw a family of 5 on a motorcycle. Yep. Dad was driving and he had Junior in front of him. Behind him was his lovely wife wearing a full sari and riding sidesaddle. She held the middle boy on her lap and cradled an infant in her arms. I saw them take a corner like there was nothin' to it. Unreal!
There are so many little things that tell me I'm not in America any more. The five star hotel we're staying in would be considered "adequate" in the states. Maybe 3 stars. But the people are very hospitable and bend over backward to make you happy. That was until I got to the hotel's gift shop. Oh my.
I used to consider myself a champion bargain hunter. Now that bargaining is part of the deal, I'm completely out of my league. Just tell me what it costs and if it's on sale. That's all I want to know...but no. I'm expected to tell them what I want to pay for it! How the heck should I know what anything is worth? I don't want to insult anyone, but I don't want to be cheated out of my life savings on day one, either!
I found 3 things I really liked. I didn't let him sell me everything I looked at (even though he tried.) He had my things wrapped up before we even talked price. I'm SO not used to this method of "shopping." I went round and round with the guy as far as pricing. I showed him how much I had in my pocket and he wanted me to go back to my room for more. Fortunately, I didn't fall for that, and thank goodness I didn't have a credit card! I finally came away with the three items I wanted for the rupees I had on my person. I'm still not sure if I got taken to the cleaners or not.
I saw advertised a government store of local crafts with fixed prices! I never thought I'd be so grateful for the Saturn sales model. I think that will be my next stop. Maybe when I have a better idea of what things are worth over here, I'll try bargaining again.
Fortunately my hubby is the most wonderful man on the planet. He said not to worry about it. He could always take me to the ATM if I ran out of the cash I brought with me. "It's only $63 bucks," he said. Somehow that sounds much better than 3,000 rupees. "And if you really love the earrings, it's worth it." What a great guy.
So, I was just watching HSN on TV to get an idea on fair pricing...yes, the same kind of Home Shopping Network we have at home--just picture 2 beautiful Indian women talking about Indian jewelry in what I call "Hindish." It's a combination of Hindi and English. I understood only ever other word, but I knew exactly what they were saying.
This is a funny, funny and fascinating place. And, oh yes, I should mention that I've eaten some of the most wonderful concoctions, not knowing what most of it was. LOL. Fortunately, I have adventurous taste buds and an iron stomach.
Yesterday, I saw a family of 5 on a motorcycle. Yep. Dad was driving and he had Junior in front of him. Behind him was his lovely wife wearing a full sari and riding sidesaddle. She held the middle boy on her lap and cradled an infant in her arms. I saw them take a corner like there was nothin' to it. Unreal!
There are so many little things that tell me I'm not in America any more. The five star hotel we're staying in would be considered "adequate" in the states. Maybe 3 stars. But the people are very hospitable and bend over backward to make you happy. That was until I got to the hotel's gift shop. Oh my.
I used to consider myself a champion bargain hunter. Now that bargaining is part of the deal, I'm completely out of my league. Just tell me what it costs and if it's on sale. That's all I want to know...but no. I'm expected to tell them what I want to pay for it! How the heck should I know what anything is worth? I don't want to insult anyone, but I don't want to be cheated out of my life savings on day one, either!
I found 3 things I really liked. I didn't let him sell me everything I looked at (even though he tried.) He had my things wrapped up before we even talked price. I'm SO not used to this method of "shopping." I went round and round with the guy as far as pricing. I showed him how much I had in my pocket and he wanted me to go back to my room for more. Fortunately, I didn't fall for that, and thank goodness I didn't have a credit card! I finally came away with the three items I wanted for the rupees I had on my person. I'm still not sure if I got taken to the cleaners or not.
I saw advertised a government store of local crafts with fixed prices! I never thought I'd be so grateful for the Saturn sales model. I think that will be my next stop. Maybe when I have a better idea of what things are worth over here, I'll try bargaining again.
Fortunately my hubby is the most wonderful man on the planet. He said not to worry about it. He could always take me to the ATM if I ran out of the cash I brought with me. "It's only $63 bucks," he said. Somehow that sounds much better than 3,000 rupees. "And if you really love the earrings, it's worth it." What a great guy.
So, I was just watching HSN on TV to get an idea on fair pricing...yes, the same kind of Home Shopping Network we have at home--just picture 2 beautiful Indian women talking about Indian jewelry in what I call "Hindish." It's a combination of Hindi and English. I understood only ever other word, but I knew exactly what they were saying.
This is a funny, funny and fascinating place. And, oh yes, I should mention that I've eaten some of the most wonderful concoctions, not knowing what most of it was. LOL. Fortunately, I have adventurous taste buds and an iron stomach.
Friday, January 29, 2010
New cover yumminess!
Tell me what you think of EC's new cover model, Angelo. And try not to drool on your keyboard! LOL
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
International Travel
Yesterday, I completed the last step in my preparations to go to India...my shots. Ow. Or maybe I should say, Ow, ow, ow, ow. I had four injections. Two in each arm. I'm not a very big baby when it comes to a little physical pain. But at least it's over.
I have my visa, my passport and my health records. Now all I have to do is pack and look forward to a 24 hour flight. Can you say, 'jet lag'?
I think it will all be worth it to visit a country so rich in history and culture. When I was young, I studied the Hindu religion for a semester. It's fascinating, and I'm thinking I might set some stories there. (That Brahma really got around!) LOL
There are literally thousands of Hindu Gods, but I was taught that 3 reigned supreme. Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. Not everyone in the western world would recognise depictions of these dieties. But the most popular God you'd recognise in a second.
Ganesha--the elephant-deity riding a mouse. Ganesha is one of the commonest mnemonics for anything associated with Hinduism. The son of Shiva and Parvati, Ganesha is depicted as having a curved trunk and big ears, and a huge pot-bellied body of a human being. He is the lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. He is also worshipped as the god of knowledge, wisdom and wealth.
The last time my husband was in India, he brought me back a beautiful carved statue of Ganesha. And bringing this back to romance, that trip was an eye-opener for both of us. We had never been apart that long since we met in 1990. (Yup, we're going on 20 years.) We were miserable without each other. We talked on the phone a few times, and then the power went out. I had a cell phone with spotty reception, so talking became impossible. I finally went to my in-laws house and used their phone--but I woke up my husband. Oops. Time difference. He didn't mind. We were both just so glad to hear each other's voices.
When he got home, he vowed that if he had to go there again, he would take me with him. Now, two years later, we're going over there together. There's a 3 day weekend because of an Indian holiday, so we'll have a few days to get out and explore. I may stick close to the hotel while he's working just to be on the safe side.
I'll have my laptop with me so I hope I can take some notes as I soak up the atmosphere. I've set books in places I've visited before, like Maui; New Orleans; Daytona Beach; Las Vegas; San Francisco and always found it helpful to do a little brainstorming while I was there--even on vacation. So, don't hate me because I'm on vacation in eighty degree weather. I'm working. Really. Honest. I mean it.
Ash
I have my visa, my passport and my health records. Now all I have to do is pack and look forward to a 24 hour flight. Can you say, 'jet lag'?
I think it will all be worth it to visit a country so rich in history and culture. When I was young, I studied the Hindu religion for a semester. It's fascinating, and I'm thinking I might set some stories there. (That Brahma really got around!) LOL
There are literally thousands of Hindu Gods, but I was taught that 3 reigned supreme. Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. Not everyone in the western world would recognise depictions of these dieties. But the most popular God you'd recognise in a second.
Ganesha--the elephant-deity riding a mouse. Ganesha is one of the commonest mnemonics for anything associated with Hinduism. The son of Shiva and Parvati, Ganesha is depicted as having a curved trunk and big ears, and a huge pot-bellied body of a human being. He is the lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. He is also worshipped as the god of knowledge, wisdom and wealth.
The last time my husband was in India, he brought me back a beautiful carved statue of Ganesha. And bringing this back to romance, that trip was an eye-opener for both of us. We had never been apart that long since we met in 1990. (Yup, we're going on 20 years.) We were miserable without each other. We talked on the phone a few times, and then the power went out. I had a cell phone with spotty reception, so talking became impossible. I finally went to my in-laws house and used their phone--but I woke up my husband. Oops. Time difference. He didn't mind. We were both just so glad to hear each other's voices.
When he got home, he vowed that if he had to go there again, he would take me with him. Now, two years later, we're going over there together. There's a 3 day weekend because of an Indian holiday, so we'll have a few days to get out and explore. I may stick close to the hotel while he's working just to be on the safe side.
I'll have my laptop with me so I hope I can take some notes as I soak up the atmosphere. I've set books in places I've visited before, like Maui; New Orleans; Daytona Beach; Las Vegas; San Francisco and always found it helpful to do a little brainstorming while I was there--even on vacation. So, don't hate me because I'm on vacation in eighty degree weather. I'm working. Really. Honest. I mean it.
Ash
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year to my peeps! AND happy anniversary to my wonderful hubby!
I hope you all had a nice, safe celebratory New Year's Eve. We did! It was our 16th anniversary and we returned to the scene of the...er, well, not crime--because it was one of the best things I've ever done. We went to the Sheraton in Protsmouth NH where they were having a New Year's Eve dinner party complete with great entertainment (stand-up comedians) and dancing. When one of us left the room, the others at our table said, "Okay, now that your other half is gone, how's it been? Really.
I'm happy to say we both told them the truth. It's been awesome. The best, most fun, years of our lives.
Marriage takes maturity. You need to know when to let things go and never bring them up again. It takes a sense of humor. Even if you're having a disagreement sometimes you can crack a joke and wind up laughing. Very few decisions are all that important. It takes respect and love--that means thinking of the other person's happiness as much as your own. I think that's been the success of our marriage.
We're each other's best frinds, biggest fans and ultimate supporters. My hubby loves to fly. I'd be happy if my feet never left the ground, but if a pilot's license is what he wants...more power to him. Similarly, he knows we'll never get rich off my royalties. But writing makes me happy, so he's fine with me building my career from the ground up.
How about you? What do you think is the secret to a good marriage?
Ash
I'm happy to say we both told them the truth. It's been awesome. The best, most fun, years of our lives.
Marriage takes maturity. You need to know when to let things go and never bring them up again. It takes a sense of humor. Even if you're having a disagreement sometimes you can crack a joke and wind up laughing. Very few decisions are all that important. It takes respect and love--that means thinking of the other person's happiness as much as your own. I think that's been the success of our marriage.
We're each other's best frinds, biggest fans and ultimate supporters. My hubby loves to fly. I'd be happy if my feet never left the ground, but if a pilot's license is what he wants...more power to him. Similarly, he knows we'll never get rich off my royalties. But writing makes me happy, so he's fine with me building my career from the ground up.
How about you? What do you think is the secret to a good marriage?
Ash
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Santa had a sense of humor this year!
My husband and I usually have a lot of fun together. When my mother-in-law joins us, we have a giggle-fest. Christmas is no different, but this one seemed especially funny since hubby received some new technology that went array at just the right (wrong) moment.
We live near a town with a world-famous boarding prep school. Smart, rich kids from all over the world attend. (Mel Gibson's kids went to school there.) We have a holiday tradition of brunch at the local Inn, right across the street from the campus. This year was no different...well, sort of.
We had had a lovely holiday feast of lobster bisque, fresh shrimp and crab, swordfish with a butter and herb garnish, boneless ribs, Caesar salad, goose with a cherry reduction sauce, potatoes Lyonaisse, glazed turnips, curried cauliflower, and mimosas. Well, that's what I had. They put on an all you can eat buffet and after we had all we could eat plus two or three deserts, we leaned back in our chairs and patted our full bellies. Then my husband's alarm went off.
I should explain that his alarm sounds like a rooster crowing. Loudly! And he couldn't shut it off!!! As the other guests glanced around the restaurant looking for the crazed rooster, his mother and I sat there giggling until we had tears in our eyes.
My husband had to eventually get up and bolt out of the restaurant until he could shush his new toy--and reprogram it!
We live near a town with a world-famous boarding prep school. Smart, rich kids from all over the world attend. (Mel Gibson's kids went to school there.) We have a holiday tradition of brunch at the local Inn, right across the street from the campus. This year was no different...well, sort of.
We had had a lovely holiday feast of lobster bisque, fresh shrimp and crab, swordfish with a butter and herb garnish, boneless ribs, Caesar salad, goose with a cherry reduction sauce, potatoes Lyonaisse, glazed turnips, curried cauliflower, and mimosas. Well, that's what I had. They put on an all you can eat buffet and after we had all we could eat plus two or three deserts, we leaned back in our chairs and patted our full bellies. Then my husband's alarm went off.
I should explain that his alarm sounds like a rooster crowing. Loudly! And he couldn't shut it off!!! As the other guests glanced around the restaurant looking for the crazed rooster, his mother and I sat there giggling until we had tears in our eyes.
My husband had to eventually get up and bolt out of the restaurant until he could shush his new toy--and reprogram it!
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