6.11.2010

Poyittu Varen ... from Chennai

To quote myself from two years ago, "What a long strange trip it's been."

Moments like these are forever bittersweet. Although we're all looking forward to leaving, there's always a hint of sadness as you depart a place you've called home for two years.

I just can't find the right words to say today. So I did what I always do when we leave post... I stayed close to home. I have a hard time with good-byes. To the friends we made here in Chennai, those who are still here and those who have already moved on, we appreciate your friendship and we bid you a fond adieu. To the family and friends who've followed along even before we came to India, just know that we could never live this lifestyle without your support.

As we finish up our last minute preparations and head out on our flight tonight, join us for a final recap of our time here in Chennai.

Thanks for sharing in our journey. See you on the other side of the world...



Make sure you turn up your speakers.
Jai Ho!

19 comments:

Ramit Grover said...

I envy you to no end. Safe travels! And that's a wonderful slideshow!

Good Luck!

(",)

Mom24 said...

What a wonderful slideshow. You're going to have to teach me how to do that sometime. (((Hugs))) I can only begin to imagine all the conflicting feelings you're experiencing. I know you'll miss some friendships, I know you must be a bit apprehensive about the next year. I'm here to listen anytime. You're so incredibly brave and resilient. Yes, you truly are, no matter how you're feeling. It's not about how you feel, it's about what you actually do, and you take my breath away with everything you do.

Bon Voyage.

Sunny said...

Good luck! So happy (and perhaps a bit jealous) for you!

A Daring Adventure said...

Oh Jill - what a WONDERFUL slideshow! I simply MUST learn how to do such a thing.

I can't even tell you how much I loved that slideshow. I've been reading your blog for so long that I recognized almost every single picture (were some new?) and the blog post it came from! LOL!

How very touching! What a wonderful slideshow!

And my thoughts and prayers are with you guys as you travel out! Much love from Fairfax...

Jen said...

Wow, what an amazing journey. I wish you all the best in your travels.

Oh and I can't wait to soon welcome you home.

Bfiles said...

gorgeous slideshow, and I continue to be impressed with your organizational skills, unveiling this on your last day in Chennai! Looks like it's been an amazing journey, and I'm sure Chennai will always hold a special place in your heart since it's where you welcomed baby Perlman #3. Have a safe trip and thank you for sharing your beautiful story with us!

Daniela Swider said...

Love, love, love the slideshow!!! Here's to a safe trip back home, a safe unaccompanied tour for your husband, a great year for you and the kids in CA and a terrific new adventure after that!

Unknown said...

That was awesome!
I like the final touch of Tamil.. Poyittu Varen... I am leaving until I return! Believe me you will return( at least as a tourist). Wait till you crave a Masala Dosa in California.

I loved the tone and flavor of your blog over the last 2 years.. the good , the bad and the ugly!

While I was born in Kerala and grew up in New Delhi, Chennai has always been near and dear to my heart, and I would do anything to spend December through February there, every year.

Good luck with your move back, and Matt's move to Iraq.

Kat said...

That video gave me chills and made me cry.
All that can happen in just two years. All the experiences you had. All that you've seen. WOW. Those pictures say more than words ever could.
What a journey. Thank you for taking us with you. :)
Have a safe trip!

Shannon said...

I teared up during the video! Even when you don't love the post leaving is hard. I hope you have a safe uneventful flight with limited or no puking!

Robin said...

Safe journey my friend. Catch you on the flip side.

xox

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My photography is available for purchase - visit Around the Island Photography and bring home something beautiful today!

Shannon said...

What an awesome experience you all have had. Ups and downs, sure... but awesome, nonetheless!

Taking a look back at the pics was great!

Safe travels!

Steph B said...

That was awesome! Safe travels! I love reading your blog...I usually laugh out loud, more than once!

Denise said...

Great, great, great!! Can't help but smile hearing the music and watching the memories from such an amazing 2 years. Kudos!

Safe and happy travel back to the good ole' USA!

I'll Take Mine... said...

Awesome slideshow. Thanks for sharing. My daughter and I have been singing Jai Ho! all day. She liked seeing all the pictures with me and asked to see it again.

I hope the journey home is swift and safe.

Emily said...

Good luck with your journeys.
I loved the slideshow. What an amazing family you have.

Anonymous said...

Adieu, blog friend!!

I'm sure we'll see each other again ... if only through a fence while we sweat to death.

I hope California is GOOD to you!!! You deserve it ...

julicle said...

How on earth did you find the time to put something like that together??? You continue to amaze me. Can't wait to see you this summer!!!!

Clare Anzoleaga said...

This slide show was so moving! I had tears throughout. I've been following you since 2008, and have been so inspired...just wanted to say hi, and welcome to California!

FINALLY!

Your story is kind of similar to my sister-in-laws story. She and her husband lived in Lybia, working for an American oil company, and recently got transferred to L.A.

(Sidenote: When they finally got back to USA, and went to a mall, they saw a woman wearing a tube top. Her 4-year-old son asked: "Mom, why is that girl naked???" He wasn't used to seeing women dress that way. lol)

Anyway, I plan on re-tweeting this post so that the moms in Central California can get an idea of what it's like to be an American mom in India. What a great and awesome story!!!

-Clare

www.twitter.com/fresanzo
www.centralvalleymoms.com

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