Happy New Year from India

This past New Years was amazing. At first it was a little odd, because the majority of the people we were celebrating with were not from the United States. Many of them were from India, but a few were from Europe. Also many of them were families with small children.

So, add in a bunch of rowdy college students with an open bar and you have quite an interesting dynamic. The party started off with some libations and food, both traditional Indian and from other countries around the world. However, the party really got poppin when Joe G. hit the dance floor.

He began with the worm, and gradually more and more people began to join in on the shennenigans. But most people were from our group. As it turns out our moves were so good that other guests were too intimidated to dance. In fact, the hotel workers actually gave Joe G. a gift for "starting the party", but really it was to get him off the stage.

The dance party continued until the midnight countdown. One interesting thing I found was that they turned off the lights at midnight so couples could kiss. After that the fireworks show began. And we danced some more.

Overall, New Years Eve was amazing. I had a blast, and so did everyone else. I'm sure every has their own stories to tell friends and family, so I'll just keep my lips zipped on the details.

I will say that I hope I can bring the many lessons I've learned here in India with me this year and for the many to follow. Just maybe not the driving...

Our lovely bartenders. I can only guess why this is the only picture I took of the night.

नया साल मुबारक हो (Happy New Year)