India - Day 5, dinner with a Royal Family

This evening we have been invited for Diwali dinner with a Royal Family.  Diwali celebrations go on for 5n ights. This is a time for family and friends come together. We are honoured to be invited into Smritri's hometo share this time with her family and friends. The outside terrace is decorated with designs made from the traditional marigold flowers.  We are greeted by all members of her family including cousins, friends and some of the children from her orphanage.  Smritri has created a home for children living with HIV.  They are unwanted by their families as their is still quite a lot of ignorance here when it comes to this disease.  Smriti has created a wonderful environment for these children and is an incredible advocate for the.  They are now in the regular school system and one of her friends has now opened a second home to house the children.  It's a wonderful opportunity for us to meet these beautiful children and this amazing woman. There is a lovely young lady painting henna on our hands and a gentleman with gifts of handmade bangles. The dinner was delicious and the company exceptional. This was a memorable evening and certainly one of the highlights of the trip.