India: Until We Meet Again

As much of a tough start that I had, arriving with a heavy weight of emotions that I left back at home, I couldn't be more happy I went on this trip. After my mini-breakdown when I had to put my beloved Mocha to sleep over the phone, I was broken this trip. I felt bad my Hyderabad team had to witness the torment going on in me, feeling like they were unable to help, and had to stand by and watch as I struggled to keep my head up. In reality, they healed me. Allowing me to laugh, lightening the mood, and just being available when I needed to cry (or close to). I couldn't be more thankful for all of them. They are an amazing group of people and I am again sad to be leaving them behind. This will not be my last visit to Hyderabad, let alone India. There is still so much of this beautiful country I have yet to explore. The food, colors, smells, and most of all the people I have come to call, not just a friend, but family. Driving away in the cab and heading to the airport. Looking back to them all standing on the side of the road, watching. I couldn't help but shed even more tears. This time of happiness and memories of laughter, not sorrow and pain. 

I will be back, my friends, and we will continue where we left off. Until then, we always have video calls from the opposite side of the world and chat. This is not goodbye. This is until we meet again.

With all of that said, I would like to say thank you to each individually... or a side note:

Girish (Ballu, Baby Cub) - 
Dear Baby Cub! At anytime, you can always ride center bike and I'll protect you. You are a genuine, kind hearted, hilarious person. Your laughter is infectious. Thanks for all your help at immigration, joining me for Holi, explaining things during Hyderabad day out, and accompanying me during the last weekend of my visit. So many laughs, pictures, and memories I will look back on fondly. [P.s. Your wife, Deepthu, is lovely and I can see the care, love, and connection you have for each other. It's heartwarming to watch]

Santhosh - 
Am'ma! At times being so overprotective that I had to start rebelling, but my appreciation towards you and Girish, I am forever grateful for everything you both did and helped me through. This was a tough trip. Mentally, physically, emotionally. Thanks for all the laughs, jokes, allowing me to be myself, joining me for Holi, planning out and accompanying me on the last weekend of my visit, and remotely helping with my slight immigration hiccup. I am forever indebted to you both.
​
​["so innocent"]

Waheed - 
Thanks for the offer to call and help with immigration. I'm sure it would have worked out "great" for me and your picture in the paper would have been spot on after finding and turning in an illegal immigrant! hahaha. Keep laughing and petting your beard, my friend. 

Siva (Q2) - 
I wish you the best on your upcoming marriage in "Q2". Stay unique and quirky, never lose that. From your elevated shoes to give you a couple inches more in height, special teas with your pinky out, and your overall humor. You had my insides hurting more from laughter than any others.

[Thanks for translating anytime the team broke out in "Secret Language". That was super helpful!!!]

Vijay - 
You might be the only one that could ever get me to shop longer than 1/2 hour, but its hard to say no to you. As tired as I was, each time you said another store I couldn't help but follow. You have a kind, caring attitude. Was great to get to know you more and thanks for spending that morning at the mall with me prior to heading to the office, all while we spent my shopping budget!

Subbu -
We had a lot of good conversation, laughs, and sharing of ideas. You have an amazing personality and are a caring, kind hearted person. My one advice, stay focused. 

Anitha - 
Great conversation, getting to know you on a more personal level, and you might be the only one there that understands the love I have for my dogs.
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Syed, guy in Goa that I hitchhiked with, and his friends - 
Thank You! Now if only your friend would stop texting me on WhatsApp. I'm not interested, nor do I know how any of you got my number!

Mushroom Dosa guy - 
I ran out of time to run back and say goodbye, but after the issue in Goa and Ooty I was hesitant to ask a picture with you. Keep smiling! I'll be back next year.

Nigerian boyfriend at immigration office - ​
No. You still will not get my WhatsApp number, no matter how much you think you will learn from me. Yes, I know many U.S. women are fat and I'm flattered you don't think I am. That was a good line, I think more should use it.

LEAVE // 03.16.2018 | 21:20 PM PST | HYDERABAD, INDIA
ARRIVE // 03.17.2018 | 21:40 AM IST | PORTLAND, OR
TRANSPORTATION // ALASKA AIRLINES | EMIRATES
LAYOVER // DUBAI, EAU | 8 HOUR 50 MINUTE // LOS ANGELES, CA | 5 HOUR
                                 (HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS IN DUBAI, 4 HOURS)

[Side note: pay attention to your visa expiration date. By doing so, it will save you a great amount of anguish and torment, rather than spending over 6 hours in the India immigration office, dreading the potential immediate deportation or 5-year jail sentence. Nothing else needs to be said than, thank you to some amazing friends who helped resolve the issue. I can never repay you for your kindness, care, and attention. I am so blessed to have met you both and can call you a friend]