When I went to Hyderabad, India for an official trip in 2017, I had the chance to join some members off the Philippine delegation to visit some places in Hyderabad after a full day of meeting.

One of the places we went to is Charminar. It has this unfinished but charming castle, and vendors all around. What made my eyes light up were those artistic, colorful and glittery bangles and bracelets. 

I got a few, for myself, for my sisters, for my sisters in law, and some friends. This one shown in the photos below is my favorite. It’s elegant, artsy, not too flashy. My niece even said it makes someone look rich. 😉 

It only has one fault; it can’t be adjusted. You need to have a slim wrist, flexible hands, and a tolerance for a few seconds of pain.

Despite that, I love it. I got the same design for my siblings and sisters-in-law. It fit my hand and for others, it wouldn’t fit so they just held it or put in their thumb for the photo. 

I recall that when we, a few women and a man from the Philippine delegation had gone around for an hour in the Charminar area and finally decided to go home, we couldn’t get a ride back. So, off we went to the nearest police station. My older colleague said that I should talk to the police, because I speak English well and I am charming. Haha!

We finally got a taxi with the police assistance and got back to our hotel safely.

And my bangle? I left it in Manila when I went to Suva last December. I’ll probably get it when I go home for a short vacation or have someone bring it here.  😉 

P.S. Someone informed me that these are called qaras. They are beautiful. Who wants to give me one? Haha!