India Tattoo

OK, so I really didn't get an actual tattoo (like I'm going to subject myself to that much pain). However, I did get the India alternative to a tattoo...Mehendi. Mehendi is normally done for Hindu weddings and is applied to the hands, arms, and palms of the bride and female guests (also, I think some men get it done as well). It can also be applied to the feet and legs. Mehendi is also done for other celebrations, but most definitely for weddings. A friend's sister was visiting India (which reminds me, I haven't received any confirmations of anyone coming to visit me), so she hired the Mehendi lady to come to her house and invited some ladies over. We had a blast getting decorated, chatting with each other, and of course, eating.

Here is a "wonderful" photo of me getting Mehendi applied to my arm. This lady applies the gel-like substance to you free hand...no stencil or anything like that.

This is a photo of my finished design...all total, it probably only took the lady 10 to 15 minutes to apply this to my arm and hands (can you imagine what it would look like if I tried to apply it and the mess that I would have). It takes about 2 hours for the "gel" to dry and then it flakes off leaving the design behind in a brownish color. I had this done on Friday and now on Wednesday, it is finally just starting to fade away. Of course, for those of you who know my husband, you will know that he does not like it. He asked me to wash it off...ha, not possible, it has to wear off. Then, he thought that hand sanitizer would take it off. Then, he asked why I had so much done. The latest he has said is too not have it done again. Yeah right! I like it and if the opportunity comes up, I'll definitely have it done again.

These are my friend's feet. For those of you who know me...there was no way I was letting my feet be done. I don't get pedicures, and I don't wear open toed shoes, and I'm definitely not getting Mehendi done to my feet either!!!

Anyway, I really enjoyed taking part in this cultural experience. I hope to partake in many more over the upcoming months.