I'm feeling the heat! Summer has arrived and so have my flashes!
Summer Trippin ............................... Little India Artesia California
I have wanted to find my way to Little India in Artesia California http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artesia,_California
In my opinion Indian people are some of the most peaceful people I have encountered. I have always been fascinated by the sights, sounds and aromas of their culture. I'm sure this fascination began in my days as a Hippie. What ever my exposure to the Indian culture then and now has always left me with endearing memories.
It was my good fortune recently to have yet another Indian woman join one of my sewing classes in Rancho Cucamonga. http://www.rcpark.com/ . My appreciation to my student Suma for giving me an address of an Indian Boutique, Sona Chandi. Unknowingly Suma gave me the wrong address as I was looking for fabric and not clothing. I am so glad Suma got the address incorrect because what I found at the incorrect address was amazing.
My Friend Karen and I had to wait for a bit to enter Sona Chandi as it was not yet open when we arrived. It was well worth the short wait. Two very polite and pretty Indian women allowed us in. I say allowed as most Indian merchants in Artesia are closed on Monday. Note this if you are planning a trip to Little India. Oh! Wear Walking shoes. You will want to shop till you drop.
Once we entered Sona Chandi my eyes just about jumped out of my head. Wow! Was the operative word for that day's experience. Everywhere I looked in that shop was a sensory delight. Each wall and clothing rack was filled with some of the most beautiful fabrics and sequins and Indian clothing I have ever seen. I knew I had hit the mother load and had achieved my quest to find the ultimate local Indian experience.
While shopping I had a couple of things in mind to purchase. One, a Tunic, and maybe just maybe a Sari. If nothing else I had to at least try a Sari on. Wearing a Sari has always been a item on the "List of Little Pleasure" to achieve in my life. Check! Done!
In my minds eye I would wonder just which vibrant color I would choose for my Sari when my time came. My favorite color for many years was Blue and any shade of it. But my new favorite has become Red. I looked at the Red Saris and found myself trembling with excitement. I don't know what it is about the color of Red but I love it. To the suggestion of my friend Karen and the sales girl I tried on Pink. Yes Pink! But Pink the Indian way, vibrant! Pink by Indian standards 'beautiful". Once I was wrapped in the Sari I felt like royalty if only for a brief moment or two.
Wrapping the Sari is not something I knew anything about. How do these women keep the dress up? There are no buttons, zippers, hooks or strings, nothing.! I was curious, I had to know!
The Sari must consist of 5 yards of fabric, half of that 5 yards is sequined and heavy. You can however, purchase others that are made of cotton and no sequins. I wanted to try the beauty....the sequined one. I asked the sales girl, how do you stop the Sari from falling off your body as you move? The secret at least to anyone but the Indian woman, is an under slip. It amazes me that a dress as ancient as the Sari remains today.
Now the next item on my shopping list was a Tunic. Tunics are a specialty of India in my opinion, they too are beautiful. I don't know if the Indian culture originated the Tunic or if they made it popular but they have and wear beautiful Tunics. Indian men and women wear Tunics. I had to have one! I bought two! And! Karen bought one too.
Next purchase, a Salwar Kameez, this consists of; a Tunic, Harem Pants and a Scarf. Oh so Beautiful! The Salwar Kameez is practical comfortable and is flattering to any figure. I can't wait to wear it.
Just the shopping experience alone was delightful at minimum. Our culinary experience was yet to come. I will however, save that for a latter post.
Stay Tuned!
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