I just finished my final ISP paper. I have four copies printed and bound ($7 for all four copies - 30 pages each- I love India). That packet is pretty much every minute of the last month of my life. I'm proud of it- it was really scary to try to take something I've spent so much time on and turn it into a paper. I was really worried, going into it, that I wouldn't be able to reflect all of the time I spent on this, but I'm happy with it. I think it could really become something more too (senior thesis, etc.).
Now I have the next month to explore India without any academic stresses. Mom and dad are coming to Jaipur a week from tomorrow, then Holly the next weekend. It'll be nice to be able to explore with them now that I feel a lot more confident on my own.
ISP was probably one of the most amazing things I'll do with myself in a long time. I still don't think I understand how big it was to live absolutely independently for a month in India. This is one of those experiences that will make the rest of my life seem so much easier. I feel so much more comfortable in Jaipur now, despite the fact that it is crazier than Varanasi, after being alone.
I have mixed feelings on my upcoming return to the US and to school. While everything will be infinitely easier and more convenient, it'll also be colorless, boring, and really expensive, compared to anything I've experienced in the past few months. It's also going to be cold. I was just chilly outside in 80 degree weather. I'm excited to see all of my friends and family, but really ambivalent about leaving India and the people here. I just have to tell myself that this isn't the last time I'll be here if I don't want it to be, right?