FAQs
Question
When should we arrive/ How long should we stay?
Answer
There are several options depending on how far you are coming and how long you want to be here. The main event is on Saturday, May 31st and there are some Indian events the day before (Friday, May 30). We also have several other events as you can see on the schedule tab. These extra events are not something to plan on, but rather events we are putting on for folks who are around (e.g. if you live in town or come early to turn this into a summer vacay).
Question
What do I wear?
Answer
We will have suggestions/guidelines to follow for each event, but you should first and foremost dress for comfort. Some events are inherently dressier than others, but even so the range of Alaska formal -> Indian & Western formal is large and you will not find yourself over or underdressed. Some thoughts to consider: -Weather here is often very rainy -Some of these events take place outdoor/on rocky beaches -If you don't have Indian formal wear, you don't need to buy any! Wear what you do have (unless you want to rock some new threads)
Question
What is the weather like in Sitka?
Answer
Sitka is in a temperate rainforest. Temperatures in the 40s and 50s are common this time of year as is persistent and moderate rain. We will offer cover and minimize exposure whenever possible. However, we do suggest you bring a rain jacket or poncho as well as layers. If you plan to walk between events or explore on your own during the week, you might find waterproof shoes and rain pants to be helpful depending on your plans. Reach out with questions.
Question
Where can I find that Indian drip?
Answer
www.cbazaar.com is a site vetted by my family and where we are ordering some of our clothes. They have good quality but a testy return policy. You can also find plenty of options on Amazon Women search: Saree, lehenga, ghara Men search: Kurta, pyjama kurta, or sherwani
Question
I've never worn Indian clothes before, what do I need to know?
Answer
For women who don't have previous experience, consider ordering a lehenga instead of a sari. They are easier for you to put on without assistance, are really secure and fun to dance around in, and look awesome. If you want to try a sari, you will need an underskirt to tuck it into. You can look at youtube videos for different ways of draping a sari. It involves a lot of tucking and pleating and safety pins or broaches are usually involved. You can also ask that it come pre-stitched, which makes it more like a skirt you step into with a drape on top. If you are at an Indian clothing store, just take a video of how to put it on even if its pre-stitched you might have trouble remembering how to drape the top and they can be pre-stitched in different ways. Also, some saris (many on amazon) are sold with material for the top included in the wrap. The expectation is that you will have to cut it out and sew your own top from it so be on the look out for that unless you are ready to take on that challenge. Men's clothes are more straightforward so I can't think of any tips for you.