Oh Calcutta!

I am a serious dork when it comes to the titles of my blog but what can I do…..

So, in less than 24 hours I leave India for Bangkok and I was thinking last night about all of the people that I have met and the things that I have seen…I won’t list them all, this isn’t one of those study guides for the final quiz to see if you’ve been reading.

As a lovely end to my trip I spent the morning with Raj and his family, his wife Rajni dressed me up in one of her sarees and did my makeup and put jewelery on me.  The children and I read through a book of maps and we talked about the places where we wanted to visit….they are amazing, sometimes when I talk to them I forget how young they are.

Then unfortunately I’ve been a little sick and have been moving at a molasses pace.  The locals sensing my impending departure have started to invite me to their homes and when I say that I am leaving tomorrow they tell me just to stay longer, lol.  I could get stuck in the Calcutta vortex forever….

But its time for me to say goodbye and trade in my celebrity for a bit more of an ordinary existence. Its hard to articulate how much I have enjoyed this trip….India is not for everyone but it definitely has me wrapped around its finger.  Starting and ending my trip with the love and generosity of Raj and his family has made such an impact on me.  Meeting Amir, Celine and other friends from around the world has been an unexpected treat…the sisters at the Missionaries of Charity make me giggle everytime I think about my time there.  I’ve traded my pristine princess ways and now say goodnight to the cockroaches in my room, hello to the goats eating garbage on the sidewalk and always always smile and eye contact for those who talk to me.

So many people say that a trip like this is life changing….its more life enhancing to me.  The people that I’ve talked to and met are some of the most kind and generous and…happy, they are happy with their lives, celebrate the health of their families, love their country and welcome people from all over the world.

So, India…its time for us to part for awhile.  I have loved you and at times hated you but have always felt an enormous gratitude that I started my life with you…..

Namaste.