Day of Birth, 17 Years Later..

Differences of celebrating:

Cake- Everyone feeds the birthday boy/girl their cake, beginning with parents, then family, then friends. They also like to smear some of the cake on the special person's face. I got a really big smear across my cheek from this little boy who had been buzzing around me and 2 of my friends all night. 

School- Whosever birthday it is is allowed to wear colored dress to school as opposed to the usual uniform, and they are expected to hand out chocolates to everyone in their class and everyone who wishes you a happy birthday or "many more returns of the day". It is considered really rude, I think, to not give chocolates to everyone, so I brought PLENTY. However, I did not succeed in pleasing everyone because I would have needed a chocolate for the majority of the school. They were all so cute, shaking my hand and smiling. I was actually asked to visit a class of sixth or seventh grade so they could sing to me. I loved it!

Friends- the birthday girl  is supposed to treat all her friends to a dinner or outing. I was planning my outing of ice cream for Saturday, but I will be going to a different part of Coimbatore to meet one of my Uncle's nieces or something.

I think a lot of people like connecting with me through what they know about America. I went over to one of my friend's houses last night and her dad gave me this old movie of Colorado called Mackenna's Gold. He had actually gone out and bought it specifically for me, and was so excited about it! My Rotary counselor also gave me a CD of "Retro Essentials". Everyone is so sweet and thoughtful, and I got some beautiful Indian gifts as well. 

Everyone has been so sweet to me on my birthday, and I honestly felt so special! My host parents, aunties, uncles, and Rotarians have really gone out of their way to make sure I feel comfortable here and I appreciate it so much!