As you know from Darren's post, we attended a party on Monday celebrating the half-way point of Ramadan. Garanga'oh, intended mainly as an evening for children, was a lot of fun - even as an adult observer. I enjoyed the energy and excitement of the gathering, and I loved all the beautiful costumes (traditional dress) everywhere.
Darren spent a good amount of the evening taking pictures. I ran into a student who asked me where my husband was, and I had to admit I lost him and his camera!
Unlike Darren, I'm not patient enough to be a photographer. I got bored waiting for him to snap a decent picture of the dancing "Hamoose" amidst spotlights that were constantly changing colour and intensity. So I went for a little walk around the party grounds. I saw a group of young girls gathered in a corner of a traditional village set which peaked my interest.
As it turns out, they were each waiting their turn to get Henna "tattoos". I walked closer to get a better look, and before I knew it, a lady had grabbed my hand, placed it in her lap, and started drawing a flower with the paste. The first thing that came to my mind was, "Well, I guess I'm getting henna!" immediately followed by a slightly more panicked "Can I teach with henna?" When she finished with my right hand, she started in on the left. By that point I had stopped worrying about the consquences. It was too late, anyway.
When this was all over, the lady gave me her business card - I'll take you to see her when you come Marie and Ashley! - and sent me on my way. I was unclear about the procedure so I stopped a young woman in an abaya and asked her when I could wash, to which she replied "when it's hard."
By this time, Darren had succeeded in capturing the college mascot on film and had found me wandering about. He was a little freaked out by my hands, and even tried to avoid them for a day or so.
My students' reaction was completely different. I intentionally wore a long-sleeved shirt to work to avoid drawing attention to my henna. But as I was writing on the board I heard from behind me, "Oh teacher, bee-yu-ti-ful!" There was a general consensus among the class that all I need now is an abaya and I'm all set!
Even now (Wednesday night), I'm still often surprised by my own hands. They catch me off guard. But I'd have to concur with my students; I really think the henna is beautiful. Hopefully I'll still think so when it starts to fade and turns orange!
Darren spent a good amount of the evening taking pictures. I ran into a student who asked me where my husband was, and I had to admit I lost him and his camera!
Unlike Darren, I'm not patient enough to be a photographer. I got bored waiting for him to snap a decent picture of the dancing "Hamoose" amidst spotlights that were constantly changing colour and intensity. So I went for a little walk around the party grounds. I saw a group of young girls gathered in a corner of a traditional village set which peaked my interest.
As it turns out, they were each waiting their turn to get Henna "tattoos". I walked closer to get a better look, and before I knew it, a lady had grabbed my hand, placed it in her lap, and started drawing a flower with the paste. The first thing that came to my mind was, "Well, I guess I'm getting henna!" immediately followed by a slightly more panicked "Can I teach with henna?" When she finished with my right hand, she started in on the left. By that point I had stopped worrying about the consquences. It was too late, anyway.
When this was all over, the lady gave me her business card - I'll take you to see her when you come Marie and Ashley! - and sent me on my way. I was unclear about the procedure so I stopped a young woman in an abaya and asked her when I could wash, to which she replied "when it's hard."
By this time, Darren had succeeded in capturing the college mascot on film and had found me wandering about. He was a little freaked out by my hands, and even tried to avoid them for a day or so.
My students' reaction was completely different. I intentionally wore a long-sleeved shirt to work to avoid drawing attention to my henna. But as I was writing on the board I heard from behind me, "Oh teacher, bee-yu-ti-ful!" There was a general consensus among the class that all I need now is an abaya and I'm all set!
Even now (Wednesday night), I'm still often surprised by my own hands. They catch me off guard. But I'd have to concur with my students; I really think the henna is beautiful. Hopefully I'll still think so when it starts to fade and turns orange!
Before the henna - enjoying some traditional food
Monday night at the party - pre-washing
Wednesday night at home - a nice brown colour
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3 comments:
I remember when I first got my tattoo. Every now and then I'd catch a glimpse of it in the shower or sitting down and immediately think "what the heck is that!!!", only to remember that what I had done to myself was intentional.
David.
Now two of my daughters have had henna on their hands. I read somewhere that there are different kinds... and to be cautious of health concerns with some of them. I would check it out before doing it again. It does look pretty... and I don't know how they do it.. but it certainly is a way of that part of the world.
Did it work out for you to meet up with you friends in Paris?
It's gorgeous Larissa!
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