Special Thanks

I cannot possiblly close this blog without a lengthy list of special thanks....
-First and foremost, my family. Thanks for your never-ending love, support, and encouragement. I couldn't have done all of this without you.
-Renu, my mentor, best Indian friend, and most importantly my "Di-Di" (big sister). You are amazing. Thanks for the long lunches, shopping trips, and for taking me to the "British Library," which I am not sure exists?? I have declared myself Punjabi and have changed my last name to Bakshi. You are my partner in crime and I miss you so! Until we meet again...which will be sooner than later.
-Savita, thanks for tying my first saree. I haven't laughed that hard in some time. I appreciate our long drives, being part of your Ganesha puja, meeting your lovely family, and for keeping track of all my rickshaw drivers.
-The ladies of HUM, especially Shyamala and Aruna. Thanks for taking me in and making life so easy for me. I miss Mulund and all of our wonderful conversations. I am sorry our time was so short at the end. Shyamala, I am expecting to help you with the blockprinting expo in the US and next time, we are going to Prithvi Theater together. Good luck with all of your new grandchildren ladies!
-Shanthala, thanks for extending your wonderful home to me. I am glad I got to spend time with you at the end of our exchange. Walnut Ridge misses you! You made a lasting impression. Good luck planning the weddings and congrats to both of your sons. I will be there if I can, promise.
-The Students of Somaiya College, thanks for your never-ending respect and diligence, and for raising me to star status in Mumbai. To the drama students, thanks for an amazing show. Keep it going, you have a great start. You are all missed.
-My colleagues at Somaiya, thanks for making me one of your own. I have never felt so welcomed and at ease so quickly. You made me laugh and were so patient with all my many questions. Thanks to Dr. Verma and Dr. Joshi for allowing me the freedom to explore and bring some new ideas to Somaiya. And yes, Singh sir, you are my favorite, but don't tell Renu. :)
-To my friends back home, thanks for the support and for keeping all my affairs in order. Thanks to Veach for keeping me sane! I am happy to be home with you all again.
-To Bree and Andrea, wow, what to say....girls, we took India by storm. Bree, there will be a reunion in Goa, trust! I have never laughed so hard in my entire life. How can we forget Sourabh, Francis, Al, Chris and the Brits? And Varanasi?? Thankfully, we lived to tell the tale. Andrea, thanks for making sure I didn't miss the sunrise over Mt. Everest, for making sure all planes, trains and buses were caught on time, for keeping me sane in the early months, for Ganesha and pink powder everywhere, for Leopold's, for eating with the rats, getting caught in the monsoon, for visiting one too many forts, and temples, and SO much more. Start planning the reunion. I will see you both out west.
-Karin and Taiyaba, thanks for making Gujarat a blast and Mumbai too. I will never look at low-grade scotch, pineapple tang and cookies the same way! I am glad Peter and Thomas shared that special moment with us. I will also never forget the horror of 11/26 and returning to Mumbai with you both. Keep Mumbai alive ladies, and Taiyaba, I will be at the book release!
-Fulbright Organizaton, thanks for giving me this opportunity and changing my life forever.
-The residents of Mulund West, thanks for making me mildly famous and for embracing me. It was the kindness of strangers that got me through!
-To the staff at Walnut Ridge, Tim and Sharon, thanks for supporting me endlessly. I know my absence was tough, but you always encouraged me to shine brightly in India. Sharon, thanks for being a special friend to Shanthala and for sharing India with me! To Radde and Dr. Hill, thanks for picking up my slack. I know it was a lot of work, and I am not sure how to repay you! Special thanks to Levenstein, Wirthman, Skiles (K & D), Gantner, Lawrence, Watson, and everone else who made Shanthala feel at home. I realize I owe a lot of favors....!
-Nitesh, thanks for your kindness, your energy, your impulsiveness, for making me part of your life. You showed me what I deserve. Thanks for showing me your Mumbai.