Plastic camels, etc.

The wedding festivities have finally come to a close. The reception yesterday was gorgeous, but we weren't really allowed to take any pictures - country club rules. The weather was really nice for an outdoor celebration. I had to help receive guests with my family (I was on gift duty) for almost two hours. My feet are still sore from standing for so long.

I made friends with a kitten at the reception I named Sammy2. She was just the cutest thing, politely meowing at everyone. When I called out, "Come here, Sammy2!" She came running and rubbed her head against my foot, just as my Sammy back home does, in those rare moments he wants to say he loves me. I haven't been seeing too many cats here; it's mostly stray dogs. There is a demon cat that runs around outside of my aunt's house. Its meows are the stuff of nightmares.

Sammy2
Afterwards, we stayed up late playing a game and talking before saying our goodbyes to Farah's friends that were flying back home to wherever they came from. The house has dwindled from about fifteen people to about six. It'll be really quiet for the rest of our stay.

Today was a more uplifting and different pace in things - my sister, Farah's friend, and I went shopping at one of the local markets. We were able to pick up a few trinkets, shawls, and jewelry. We were originally going to go by ourselves and hope for the best (what's the worst that could happen - we get ripped off?), but my uncle insisted on coming with us to help with the language barrier and bargaining. I'm so glad he did. He was a huge help. I was also able to sneak in a few pictures. The shopkeepers aren't as aggressive as the ones in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, but they're still your typical salesmen. I'm amazed at how cheap some things are here. I bought a really nice winter shawl for $20. It would probably be at least three times as much in the U.S. I'm a little upset because I wanted a little elephant, and through some mix-up, I ended up with a little rickshaw instead.

I was a little apprehensive about the shopping experience, but nothing ended up happening. But I highly doubt people are interested in targeting shoppers who are throwing down a few U.S. dollars' equivalent on Pakistani souvenirs. I'll be a little more wary when we buy clothes over the next few days.

Question - how do you remember which is yours?
When we were heading home, I insisted on getting some fresh naan straight off the tandoor. DELICIOUS.

Happiness in carbs.

I'm kind of surprised how quickly this trip is going by. We're only here for three more days. Our evenings are filled with visiting relatives. Hopefully we can knock out shopping quickly so we can do what we've been wanting to do since we got here - spend time with our grandmother. So far there have only been short moments filled with grandmotherly hugs and kisses.

Since I didn't post this last time - chicken tikka pizza. My stomach hasn't forgiven me for this yet.