Safia & Rahim - Life is Better in Flip-Flops - Ismaili Wedding Rituals in Diani, Kenya

 My first wedding of 2015 is a wonderful adventure by the Indian Ocean, in Mombasa, Kenya. It begins in a rather classic way: our bus loses the spare wheel right on departure from MOI International airport:

 Not to worry. The wheel is quickly recovered in a collective effort:

 Nothing can stop us now:

 Except a flat tire. Good thing we didn't leave the spare at the airport:

 But we're literally only 100m away from the hotel's gate, so we finish strong, on foot:

 Swahili Beach resort is waiting for us in a festive way:

 After continent hopping and 6 different flights, this is exactly what I want to see ... right before I close my eyes for a few hours:

 Next day, Safia is getting her henna done:

It's a 'not to be missed' opportunity for the future bride to be pampered like royalty:

 Even nature showers her with love:

 The following day, families and friends come together for the Pithi ceremony:

 The bar is open:

 Much to everyone's delight:

 We have everything we need for this afternoon:

 The Mandvo is a safety ritual. Four maternal uncles of the bride-to-be bring one pineapple each:

  And place them in the four corners of the house, with the specific purpose of preventing the evil from entering:

 Now, that the area is secured, Safia can step in:

 The Ponkwa and Pithi are mixed together for a concentrate dose of blessings:

 For added enjoyment, both families perform the pithi on Safia and Rahim simultaneously:

 This is when we almost witness a different show:

 Nothing says 'welcome to the family' like a raw egg broken on top of your head by your future sister in law:

 For a moment I feel like I'm watching Iron Chef:

Any recipe is much tastier with eggs:

And the plus of healthy protein is just invaluable.

An old tradition, the marinating sauce, with secret ingredients, tenderizes and gives the best of flavours:

There may be some side effects, though:

For better or worse (taste), Safia will always be there for Rahim from here on:

Now this sign makes a lot of sense for everyone:

After a shower and a fresh change of clothes, the evening finds the couple excited as ever:

And ready to party by the Indian Ocean:

I have only one word to say about the venue for the Mehndi party - WOW:

There's a pair of dancing shoes for every guest, with compliments from the generous couple:

Dance the night away!

Tomorrow is the big day, so we're gonna get some rest in the night ocean breeze.

love.party.more.cosmin