A Diamond in the Rough

I pierced my nose today. While walking through the Chalai Bazaar, a crazed outdoor market of shops and stalls, we stopped at one of the many jewelry vendors. To a degree it was spontaneous decision, but I did come here with the intention of getting it done. Thankfully, Sebastian’s two aunts accompanied us and were able to talk in their native language to ensure a sterile needle and earring. I selected a small diamond stud wrapped in a delicate gold setting. After using a pen to mark the appropriate spot, an intimidating middle-aged man dressed in a long blue gown and an unfriendly stare, pulled the small ridge of my nose away from my face and in a instant shoved a needle straight through. I wasn’t sure if it was complete as it all happened so quickly. But he handed me a small mirror and there it was... a sparkling stone on the right side of my nose. The pain was minor, a bit stingy and throbbing but not enough to worry me or keep me from smiling. In that moment, that particular instant, I felt my American roots begin to shed and transform into another culture. Now, although my skin didn’t match in color, my facial ornamentation did. As I write this a few hours after the piercing, I still have a hard time believing I actually did it. I do not know how long I will keep it in, maybe just until the end of my trip, but I am loving the mystical sexiness it gives off, delicate, pretty and sweet. As the old saying goes…When in Rome…..