Reflections

It's been approximately a week since I landed at Newark airport. How does it feel to be back? Weird, strange, surreal. Am I happy to be back? Yes. But do I wish I could go back? A thousand times over- yes.

It's impossible to describe the last 4 months. This blog, nor my pictures, do any of it justice. The one thing that scares me is that over these next few weeks, I will slowly start to forget- the memories, the faces of the many people I met, the hundreds of stories I listened to, the many places I discovered through hours of exploration.. and so much more. I still haven't had enough time to process it all. Yet all I can do is move forward. I've learned a lot- more than I ever have to be honest. Not just about my mother country, but about myself. I needed these lessons, and am so grateful for every person that had a role in showing me what I needed to see, hear, and understand.

I met a lot of people in my program who knew they wanted to come to India for their study abroad destination for a very long time. I on the other hand, chose to go there spontaneously- and am so glad I did. A few of you know that I am headed to Argentina in about 2 months, and I know my time in India will serve to bolster every single experience that lies ahead next semester.

Argentina, see you soon.
India, it may be months, or it may even be years. But I'll be seeing you too- I know this for certain. 

Thoughts from a Coffee Shop

I'm currently sitting at Costa Coffee (my favorite in Pune), sipping on a latte and thinking about how I only have 11 days left in India. Really, I should be working on my final paper that is due in just 3 days as well as my presentation that is in just 5 days. But what's good work without some major procrastination, right?

A few hours ago, a Canadian woman asked if she could sit near me and read her book. Of course, me being the obnoxious person I am, I introduced myself to her and asked where she was from. She, like me, is studying a variety of courses relating to Indian culture and politics at a university nearby- but unlike me, she's here until April (so a full year study). She was amazed to know how little time I had left in India and that led us to have a discussion on just how incredible this country is. The sheer magnitude of the beauty that exists here is incredibly hard to show or describe to others. Even in the poorest parts of the city of the slums I have been working in, the spirit of the people is enormous- there's so much dynamism everywhere. In every essence, India truly is chaotic and absolutely 100% crazy- but if it wasn't, it wouldn't be the India I have come to know and love. It's hard to imagine that I will be leaving soon and though I wish I wasn't, I know I will be back. In the past 4 months, I've been exposed to just a glimpse of how enormous our world truly is- it has driven me even more, to see as much of it as I possibly can.

In the coming days, I will be finishing work, last minute shopping, mailing out postcards I should've mailed out 1-2 months back (sorry), eating at least 3 ice cream softy cones a day (not kidding), indulging in street food at least twice a day (again, not kidding), and drinking as much sugarcane and mango juice as I can. But for now, in the coming hours, I'll be working on my paper that badly needs some attention.

Good luck to everyone in their end-of-the-year work. I'll be seeing some of you soon hopefully!

Love,

Sai