last post from hyderabad

It's truly the end of an era. However, for those of you who were wondering whether I've changed dramatically during my time in India--the fact that I had to pack after my going-away party ended, and just finished after three a.m., should indicate that I haven't mended my ridiculous ways. I had some fantastic help and moral support from Arod and Alaska Matt (to differentiate him from Irish Matt), otherwise I would probably still be packing. Here's to hoping that all of my stuff will make it home!

Today was ridiculously busy, and also rather bittersweet. I ran errands, and Matt and I had lunch with Jogi--I worked more closely with her than with anyone else in the office, and so saying goodbye was hard. We had a 'quiet' evening in tonight, rather than going out; we ordered food from Angeethi, the staff did a great job of decorating the apartment, and almost everyone was able to attend. The apartment is a *disaster* now, mostly because a couple of the staff gave me and Matt flower garlands to wear; I left mine on most of the night and so shed a lot of pink flower petals all over the floor. We also watched two episodes of 'Lost' before I finished packing, and now I should sleep. I have many things to say about this experience, but I'm going to let it sink in for a few days before saying anything. It's just impossible to believe that I will be flying out of Hyderabad in six and a half hours. So, I won't think of it, and instead will spend one last night in abbreviated (but blissful) slumber. I will try to post occasionally from Sri Lanka--and then I'll be home on the 25th!