Final thoughts

As I reflect on the assignment to India, I wanted to summarize my feelings. I read a quote in a magazine while on one of my trips relating to travel that really resonated with me. "Travel pushes our boundaries. When we travel we become invisible, if we want. We like to be observers and ask questions like "What makes people who they are? Could I feel at home here?" When traveling, you have a delectable possibility of not understanding a word of what is said to you. Language becomes simply a musical background for watching bicycles zoom alongside a canal, calling for nothing from you. Travel releases spontanaeity."

It made me think that there is truly a sense of magic when you travel. To have the time alone - to reflect on who you are and what you care about. Your eyes open to see life and humanity - as you breathe in the culture and take it all in - making pictures in your mind and heart that you will always remember. India has been a great adventure. Thank you for sharing it with me in my blog and I hope you felt you were with me on this journey. - Paula =8-)

Waiting for our flight

We flew on Sunday morning to Delhi and arrived around noon. Our flight to Chicago was around midnight. Instead of staying at a hotel room all day, we went sightseeing and shopping. We drove by the Lotus Temple and took a few pictures (Bahai faith); because it was a Sunday, the lines to get into the building were very long. We drove to the city center to see the India Gate, Parliament buildings and President's House. From the President's House, you can look down the street and see the India Gate. We went shopping at a place called CCIE - Central Cottage Industries Emporium. We had some children greeting us at the entrance in traditional costume. Imagine several floors of Indian handicrafts - clothing, wood and stone carvings, home interiors, purses, jewelry, furniture - all amazing. I took a picture of one of the mannequins of clothing - click on the picture to see the detail of the stitching on the man's outfit. As we headed back to the hotel to eat a meal before leaving Delhi, we saw a lot of monkeys - you'll see a few pictures of monkeys - one eating, and one carrying a baby in its pouch.

Saying Goodbyes

I'm terrible at goodbyes as I am extremely sentimental. When I think of India, I will always remember the people who have been so extremely kind to me. All of the staff at the hotel, people who have lived there for much longer than I, and all of the people in the office. I remember a conversation with Suprakash one evening, he commented "Oh Paula, she is one of us" - that will always stay with me. India will always have a place in my heart - I know I have many friends there - and I'm so glad Jim got to share the experience with me.

The last weekend

Friday night we went over to John and Linda Paulson's house for dinner. Lucinda and Hannah Johnson were also there - it was great to see everyone and get a chance to chat, laugh and even act a little goofy. Saturday was spent doing some last minute shopping with Jayanti and having dinner with office mates Devdoot, Ullhas and others from the US - Bob Hughes, Gary Kennelly, Steve Felsted (the picture is dark, but you can make out faces if you expand).

The Gift of Time

When I will look back on my journey and adventures in India, I'm convinced I will remember the gift of time that people gave. Jim and I have had many people give the gift of their time away from their busy schedules to invite us to dinner or sightseeing during this May trip. Its been great. We went to dinner at JP and Rupa's house (another JP) - we went shopping at the Laxmi Markets with JP, Vandana and Aditya - we went to Ranjan's and met his wife Sweetie and son Ranai - all great times to share with each other.

John Deere Factory

John Deere has a tractor factory which is about an hours drive out of Pune city. We received a factory tour when we arrived - and even had Pallavi model one of the signs on a factory fence. You can see a picture of our new training manager in India, Ullhas Supatkar, on one of the tractor models that are produced - as well as Gary, Ullhas, Steve and I at the John Deere sign at the front gates of the factory.

Aga Khan Palace

I haven't done that much sight seeing during my assignment. Because Jim is with me, and this is my last stay in India - I asked JP and his family to take us to Aga Khan Palace. This is a place where Gandhi was imprisoned with his wife. There are several rooms that you can go into to see artifacts and pictures in remembrance of them. His wife passed away while living at this palace. There is a memorial for both toward the back of the building. There are also several banyan trees on the property. You'll see pictures with JP, his wife Vandana and son Aditya.

Look on the left hand panel (scroll up) to see more blog entries for other months in the "Archives" area.