The last fun experience I had (before dengue smacked me down) combined two of my favorite things: Canadians and Thanksgiving!

The 2012 Canadian Thanksgiving Ball took place Oct. 13 at the home of the Canadian High Commissioner in New Delhi. The annual event raises money for CanAssist, a local fundraising society that supports organizations and groups working to promote the self-sufficiency of women and children through health and educational initiatives.

Despite a bruised toe that prompted a last-minute exchange of my stunning 5-inch Steve Maddens for a pair of bejeweled flats, I still enjoyed puttin’ on the ritz. Formal events in India get eclectic with western-style gowns mixed with elegant saris, tuxedos mingling with beaded kurtas. An occasional kilt and/or red dinner jacket lent a true Canadian vibe.
Posers at the entrance.

So elegant.

Token Canadians at our table.

Lovely ladies.

Bustin’ a move.

I did learn a valuable lesson on this night. Well, it’s a lesson I’ve “learned” many times but haven’t seemed to actually internalize. Here it is: You can’t slam glass after glass of champagne, eat everything on the buffet table (including all six desserts) and then immediately pounce out to the dance floor to flaunt your most spectacular moves in front of a massive fan to AC/DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long.” Especially when you’re wearing heavy Indian earrings.

Unfortunately, the belly bouncing took its toll, so I headed home, nauseated and with very sore earlobes, well before midnight. I could blame Dengue Fever, which hit me with full force the following afternoon, but I’m sure it was the second piece of pumpkin pie. Or maybe the chocolate torte.

Happy Thanksgiving, Canada!