Goodbyes

Yesterday was my last day in the office here, which made me very sad. Everyone "surprised" me with cake (they had been acting suspiciously all day, and I've picked up on their tendency to buy cakes for events like birthdays and goodbyes, so I wasn't shocked...but it was still nice!) I told them all that one of the things I will miss most will be eating with my hand, which I don't think will translate well back in Chicago. Here's a picture of one of the cakes -- it is signed from DC, which is my department (Diagnostic Consulting), and Sujoy decided to personalize it by carving my initials into the frosting.


They also gave me a round metal wall hanging (about 10" in diameter) with Ganesha on it. It's fantastic, and I said that I'd hang it in my entranceway at home. Nitesh then informed me that this is the best place for it, as Ganesha is the first god that they pray to when they are saying their prayers, and the info sheet that they gave me on him also says he is the god of beginnings.

I managed not to tear up until I had basically gotten to the front door of the office, so only Sujoy and Abu actually saw me red-eyed. I hate my tendency to cry at goodbyes and other dramatic moments...it can be pretty out of control at times. I'm hoping that they will all continue to keep in touch and email.

Finally, here's a picture of the group:

In the front row are Sujoy, Abu, me, Hari, Indranil, and Biswarooop; in the back are Pranita, Nitesh, Mayuri, Brijesh, Pallavi, and Uma. Pranita and Pallavi kindly added some decorative touches to Sujoy and Hari's heads. :)

Today Mark and I are going to take another tour, this time of some markets, where hopefully we won't be too overwhelmed and will manage to get some more souvenirs. I'll report back on how it goes!