My Big Fat Muslim Wedding

Dear Readers,

This past weekend I was invited to a Muslim wedding reception. Several people mann the desk here at the aprtments where I live. They call cabs, make copies, give directions, solve all sorts of problems. They are very nice and friendly and so after awhile, you get to know them. One, Matiien, was getting married and gave us an invitation to "his" reception on a Saturday. My friend Tammy was invited to the actual wedding that took place at the bride's house on Friday night. Matiien's father is from Northern India while his mother is Malaysian/Chinese. All that makes him Muslim. The wedding, where women and men sit apart, was quite a beautiful ceremony, according to Tammy. The bride was completely veiled except for the eyes. She didn't understand anything that was said but still, it was quite different from an American wedding.

The next day was Saturday and his reception. He had invited 1200 people! You see, you must invite everyone you know-from grocer to teacher to fellow students years ago! No one can be slighted or forgotten. We understood that his bride had invited 3000 for Sunday on her day. It started at noon and ended at six. The food was Indian for the most part and served buffett style by his relatives. We took a taxi to the community center where it was taking place. Matiien's parents, who had never heard of us, greeted us with kisses and hugs. We were introduced to all the relatives-sisters, brothers, cousins, grandmothers, everyone! Then we were ushered to the table next to the stage and urged to fill our plates. This we did, wondering what were eating, but going with the flow. You don't insult your host! After all, poor Matiien had gone into large debt to pay for all this we heard. So we ate and took pictures. Then at one came the Indian dancers and drum beating. This was exciting! Such stamina! Most of the dances seem to be traditional but some of it seemed to be inspired by Slumdog Millionaire! A bit modern.

Then they pulled Steve and Tammy up on the stage leaving Greg and I to laugh our heads off and take the pictures. Then Matiien and his bride (now draped in red) came down the red carpet and took a seat on the stage for the next couple of hours. All the time, everything is being narrated by a guy with a microphone in a language we didn't know and became irritating after awhile. We were brought back up to the stage and our pictures taken with the couple. Matiien was dressed in a traditional outfit complete with Aladden shoes. You can rent them, he told us. The flying carpet is optional.

People and workers from our apartments continued to join us throughout the day. Free food. Matiien thanked his parents and us for coming. They had to go change clothes (they change four times to complete the ritual) so we took the opportunity to escape. In the end we rented a maxi cab and all ten of us squeezed into the van and got back alive.

I have been back in Singapore a little over a week. Seems like years now. It's dry and hot here when it's supposed to be the rainy season. I have actually gotten a sunburn on some days. My stomach comes and goes and my fibromyaglia has turned itself on. My skin is crawling with electrical shocks and sometimes I feel like bugs are crawling all over me. My neck is super sore and always in bad shape.

Still, I like the heat. Tammy is leaving soon for the rest of the summer and I won't have anyone to play with before I go home for good. No worries. I have a book to finish, three quilts ready for me to sew up, and I have to finish using up all my paints since I can't take them home on the plane. Then I have some activities lined up from the American Association. I am still hoping to get to China and the Great Wall. So I will be busy. I also have to think about how my life is going to change when I return for good. No maids. No pool. No noise. No more fun. Just a few cows in the distance. Whatever will I do? Stay tuned.