yesterday was my last day at Parikrma. It was soo sooo sad. I am already missing the kids. It was a full on day starting with my regular remedial classes in the morning. Although this whole week we havent been doing any work because my students know Im leaving and they just wanted to spend the time just talking. So it was bittersweet. During lunchtime, a kid made a farewell speech and prayer and after kids came up and gave me hand drawn cards. I thought I was going to burst into tears. I spent the afternoon going around each classroom and handing out sweets. I wrapped up 200 small parcel of sweets for the children (in purple paper of course!). I saved Mars class for last (they are my favourite class....*ahem*...you arent meant to have favourites but I cant help it, I love them). They surprised me by seating me in a chair in the middle of the room and the whole class formed a line and each of them in turn came up to me and gave me a card and kisses on two cheeks. if only I can demonstrate to you the way Indians show affection (at least for young kids). They pinch your cheeks with both their hands and bring it to them lips with a kiss sound. I love it. Its infectious. I was doing it back too.

I spent my last day running between the school and the office, saying bye to all the Parikrma staff working in the office. I spent quite some time at the office doing admin work there too so it was hard saying bye to friends there. After school I rushed to the city to do some final errands and to also add more things to my bag that is being couriered to Delhi ahead of me. After that I literally rushed to Sumungali to say my final good byes to the children there. I have grown so attached to the Sumungali children. I left Sumungali with Thomas around 7.30pm and we went to Candice house to say bye. Then I went home to do my last minute packing! I caught an overnight train to Chennai at 11pm. And thats where I am.

I arrived iN chennai mighty early...like at 5am!! but I was in such deep slumber on the train. I think all my running around for the past week has taken its toll. I need to catch up on some sleep. Particularly since Im travelling again. In a few hours, I will be on a flight to Calcutta. I hear the North is freezing and all I have is thin clothing...uh-oh.

byee South India