Weddings and such

This has been a very wedding-y season. In the last 2 months, I have attended 3 weddings, with one more in two weeks. It has been a tremendous strain on the emotions, not to mention the pocket.

Yesterday's wedding was another Indian extravaganza where 4 million people are crammed into a hall meant for 1000 at most, waiting for the pivotal moment where the groom ties the nuptial string around the bride's neck with 3 reef knots (as opposed to a noose knot), and everyone breathes a sigh of relief that the buffet is now open.

Ok, I admit that was a bit cynical, but honestly, you should have seen the mass exodus into the dining area the minute that ceremony was over. It was like noone was actually there for the bride and groom.

Then there is the whole "line up to present gifts" thing. Of course in Singapore, where cash is king, noone gives presents anymore. Show me the money, baby!

I noticed only one very "foreign talent" looking couple grasping their gift wrapped in purple paper (no less), looking slightly worried that their present may be flung back on their faces and hard cash demanded.

But as all weddings, baby blessings and funerals are, this was a good chance to catch up with old friends who you thought fell off the face of the earth. Upon talking for a while you realise YOU are the one that fell off.

This wedding was a Ngee Ann ICS circa 1995 gathering, which was strange to say the least. I had to crack my brain to remember who was talking to who, who stole whose girfriend, and which of the stately (and portly) men who are now husbands and fathers were the biggest skirt chasers back then. Back then...(cue wavy lines)

Ah, nostalgia.

Anyway, after the wedding, I was sufficiently depressed to seek some liquid solace. So upon calling a few friends, I decided to join a bunch on my first sojourn to St James Power Station. After blathering around for a bit, we finally decided on the Latin music place called Movido's (Movida's - Thanks, Ah-neh). It has a good band from Paraguay, with the DJ spinning World music in between for a bit of a kick.

But oh my, the crowd. It was so packed, that there wasn't even space to flatulate. Dancing comprised of shuffling your feet and moving your shoulders. Everything else had to be on the inside. However the band impressed enough for me to want to go back and check them out on a quieter night. Anyone wanna go with me?

Ok, I have digressed enough. Back to weddings.
Here is what I wrote on the card/ moneyholder yesterday.

They say a man who finds a wife, finds for himself a precious thing.
To be protected under his arm, held close to his heart and cherished with his words and deeds.
You have found such a woman; exalt her and let her embrace you with the fragrance of her femininity.