I am on my way to the airport. We tried all day (OK, Herbert at the office tried all day) to figure out a way to get me to Kolkata and then out to the US on Friday.  There were 3 legs of the journey that had to align, but the best we could do was get 2 to align.  I am very disappointed. I was looking forward to a drop-in visit with my many friends in Kolkata. Circumstances got in the way (see below). With my work in Chennai complete my thoughts are a long ways away, thinking about 5 people I haven't seen in a while.  I am leaving a day early and even though I am still here I am missing India and my collegues here very much.  I love this country and its people very much and feel in many ways more comfortable and welcome here than I do in the U.S.

It was raining the day I arrived and it is raining now as the same car, same driver takes me back to the airport.

Kind of fitting. 

I have many pictures to post and stories to tell.  Bear with me for a few days as I assemble the posts.

As before, I have many people to thank for this trip.  I will mention just some:  Sathish - we did it.   To my new friends in Chennai, it was a pleasure to spend 3 weeks with you.  

Most of all I want to thank someone I have been thinking a lot about on this trip. My good friend and mentor, George. Without many hours of guidance I wouldn't have had any of these opportunities. I miss him very much.

On my way home -

Shawn