The Final Month

Many apologies for the late entry. My final month in Mumbai has been action-packed. There is a lot to say, so I am opting for a "stream of conscience" style of writing.....
-The Somaiya Drama Club put up their show on Dec. 23rd. We had a packed house and the students made me so proud. They played to a packed house and were received quite warmly.
-I had LASIK surgery and had a busted tooth, both of which were handled fabulously. The healthcare in India is superb, and so much cheaper than here in the US. I was gonna stick around for extensive plastic surgery, but alas, was out of time and money due to much shopping!
-I headed north of Mumbai to Nashik, Sula Wineries, for a wonderful weekend out of the city. The wines were amazing and the drive there was beautiful. The landscape was breathtaking. It reminded so much of Gujarat. We were surrounded by both the Western Ghats and the Deccan Plateau. I couldn't get enough of the view. As I have said before, some of the best sights are just outside of Mumbai.
-My final days at Somaiya College were quite tear-filled and full of celebration. The students held their annual "Cultural Celebration." It is always a pleasure to spend time with students outside of the classroom. There was dancing, singing, instrumental, mehendi, and rangoli competitions. All were incredible, what a talented group of young people. The week ended with the annual College Day which included our drama production and many more cultural activities. We also had two lunches during the final week, mine thanking the staff, and theirs thanking me!
-I spent time with the students and staff of Somaiya College as they participated in a youth against terrorism rally in Dadar. Colleges from all over Mumbai were invited to participate. We left from college and boarded the public train to Mantunga. From there we walked to Shivaji Park in Dadar. I was overwhelmed at the number of young people there to hear the governor and several family members of fallen police officers speak. The effort was in response to the terror attacks on 11/26. Mumbai is making a huge effort to raise awareness and unity amongst it's citizens. I was moved at the spirit of the students. It is the young people who need to unite and carry forth this message of solidarity.
-I opted to spend Christmas in Mumbai. I had a lovely "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree, thank you Nitesh, and spent part of the day at Mt. Mary Church in Bandra. The rest of the day was spent shopping and drinking peach margaritas (a global Christams, truly). It was great seeing all the festive lights, nativity scenes and variations of Santa Clause.
-I also decided to spend the New Year in Mumbai as well. The celebrations were very low key due to the recent attacks, but the new year was brought in with many, many fireworks and good friends. I figured this was the best way to start 2009. It seemed auspicious, at least to me!
-Fellow Fulbrighter Matt stopped over in Mumbai on his way back to the States. We met in Colaba and celebrated well into the night as only Americans can do. I was happy to see Colaba exploding with energy and tourists in the wake of the recent attacks.
-Shanthala, my exchange partner, arrived back in Mumbai on Dec. 23. I was able to spend two afternoons with her and friends saying goodbye and catching up. Each day gets a little harder to leave.
-My final days are being spent meeting with the many friends I have come to love so much, eating the Indian food I am sure I will not be able to find here in the States, and visiting the many places that have become so much a part of my daily routine...oh, and packing the 5000 lbs of Indian "stuff" that I have to get home! I did my best to help the economy!
-Sadly, my days are numbered.....