This past weekend Adam and I attended the Kingfisher Bangalore Derby. Apparently this was
the place to be as it is one of the biggest horse races to occur in India. I kind of wanted to tell people to get off their high horse, forget who's who and just enjoy the day. This was not only our first derby in India, but our first horse race ever.
All the newspapers stated this is
the event for glamour, glitz and fashionistas and a bit of sportsmanship as well. But as usual, India Times in Bangalore chose to highlight the ladies before the horses. hmmm. What do you mean news writer by "fashionista?" Is this a formal affair? Or do I go funky? Do I wear a sari? Ack. Sometimes it would be easier if women could just wear suits and ties..'tis not fair. Here I faced yet another of many clothing dilemmas for what is socially acceptable to wear in Bangalore.On one hand, bare shoulders and knees are a big' no- no' but out in the Bangalore fashion world, it is skimpy skimpy skimpy, believe it or not! That is straight from the horses mouth! When we arrived, I was shocked at all the minis, tight tops and matched with large derby hats. I wasn't aware that fashionista meant lots of skin exposed. Funny how at home, I wouldn't blink an eye but here I was like, wow. come on ladies. we are in India. The times they are a changin, but not so fast. Whoa, Nelly!
Well I think I survived the first challenge of the day in my my simple, chic, brown polka dot dress and derby hat. I did feel a bit like Julia Roberts, in Pretty Woman:) That's what I was going for anyways!
Second challenge, fighting through mobs of Indian men, trying to get to the bidding counter. Unfortunatley I encountered a fellow who was not so Richard Gere. Let's just say he thought it appropriate to take a hold of my behind and give it a squeeze. All I could think to say was, "HEY!" very loudly, as he looked the other way. Why is it when we want to react with a good line or comment in our midst of anger or frustration, we stutter....and say something lame. I wish I had thrown in a bit of hindi that I am learning here. When I shared this with Imran, he said I should have done what other Indian women do, which is apparently to take off you chappal or slipper ( i.e. sandal)and start hitting the guy. Hmmm. I think I like my sandals too much...But the idea was momentarily appealing.
Not sure what was at a higher stake, the large jackpot, or who was best dressed? However, it is quite a thrill to bet on a horse. I lay down a big ol' 100 rps. (i.e. two dollars) and lost. No harm done. Adam took a bigger risk at 250 rps. on horse #1 and wouldn't you know, he won? It was a 10 to 1 payout. 2500 rupees baby! Somebody is going to buy me one helluva dosa!
Overall there was a lot of ruckous and cacaphony. I think the horses were looking at us thinking, hold your horses people! Men and women exclaiming together in joy and despair for their horses, winning and losing. I thought to myself, "If you can't beat em join em. Half the time I was shouting along just for the joy of being able to yell and hoot and holler.. not even sure who I was cheering for. I am just happy to be celebrating this exhiliarating life with my Italian Stalion and friends in Bangalore.
P.S. Horse puns definetly intended. Ride on!
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| Fashion forward? |
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| introducing the race |
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| jokey |
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| ah, sweet |
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| derby, kingfisher beer style! |
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| hitchin a ride |
