No luck, but we did get to catch another glorious sunset.
Then I went home and changed, and went out with my host's daughter-in-law, Charuta. First she took me to a neighbor's house to visit for a little bit. They were having some sort of women's-only get-together. The hostess gave me some sweets and a bag of vermicelli which were significant (though I don't quite remember why).
Afterwards, we went into town to a hall where they were having a naming ceremony for the baby of one of her friends.
"Vedant's" naming ceremony.
Finally, we stopped at Charuta's parents' house before heading to the send-off. Her family is great. They live in a huge house attached to a public temple. Her father told me the history of how that came to be. And before I left, he presented me with two small, round Ganesha statues - just like the one I had been looking for! He said he is a collector and that he was glad to be able to give me them as a gift. Unbelievable.
Parag, me, and Charuta's parents.
Just got back from our send-off. It was really very lovely - lots of beautiful speeches from amazing people: DG Bazil, Radhika, DG Elizabeth (from B.C.) The team all made great speeches as well. My host from Margao, Audhut, and his family came. Rajani was there. Earlier in the evening I spoke on the phone with Mohan and Poonam. Just an awesome day.
Radhika, Ajay, DG Elizabeth and husband, Victor.
My wonderful Vasco hosts, the Mehtas.
I'm tired tonight. Looking forward to a good night's sleep, because tomorrow we leave. I miss India and I haven't even left yet.