Birthday celebrations

Well it happened.... I turned 21. No pomp no circumstance just fact. I did consume some alcohol as seems fitting for the event. But more importantly I spent it with the people I care the most about in India, my wonderful Singaporean counterparts and Siddharth. A cute story to sum up a quite simply and pleasant birthday:
12:01 am April 23rd, my phone rings. It's Sidd asking me to come outside and meet him for a bit. I went outside my hostel where I got a big hug and a flower and a "Happy Birthday Babe." We walked around the campus a bit before he set me down on some bleachers in our sports field. He told me to close my eyes and not peek!! So I did and I saw a faint glow form, he had lit a candle. He told me open my eyes, and in front of my was a chocolate muffin with a single candle. He said if I sang you happy birthday it wouldn't be nice so I wont. I tried to blow out my candle but it was one of those tricky relighting candles. As a result I made about 20 wishes!!

The day went on with little excitement until the Singaporeans and Sidd showed up with a cake and 21 candles (again the tricky relighting ones....) We also had a few drinks (yes Jenny I took a shot for you) and over all had a nice time. I must say that I don't think I could have asked for a better birthday. If I were home, chances are I wouldn't remember it... thank goodness for India!!

Here are some pics, enjoy!Blowing out the candles
Chowing down on some AMAZING cake
Double birthday kisses
Siddharth and I with the tasty cake!

Four Down One to Go

Wow! So glad last week is over!!! I’ve finished four out of five of my finals and let me tell you, I’m thrilled they are finished. Now I’m just crossing my fingers that everything works out and I’m not retaking anything at Purdue. I’ve got four days to study for my last final, so hopefully I’ll do really well on that one.

I’m starting to pack up my room and get ready to leave for Bangalore. I’m heading out early Friday morning to embark on the next stage of my journey. It will be bittersweet to leave IIT. I’ve had a rough time academically, but personally and socially I had a blast. I’ve meet some of the most amazing people and made such wonderful friends. I can only hope that I keep those bonds strong, if I do I’m sure I’ll be back to India. There is still so much to explore and see and so much more to learn about this wonderful place.

Here are some pics of me studying… because yes I do study but not nearly as much as when I was back at Purdue!!!Vikash... realizing how much we have left to cover in three hours!!

Beyond Busy

I've got four quizzes, three assignment submissions, plus a design project to work on this week. Mind you this week is the week before finals, basically IIT's version of Dead Week. Doesn't feel too dead though... wish me luck please because I'm going to need it to get through the next few days, and all of next week.

Siddharth and I booked tickets to Bangalore and I'm getting pretty excited about going. It is going to be great to have a change of scenery and of course hang out without silly IIT rules and assignments to worry about.

I hope everyone at home is doing well, I'm just trying to keep my head above water.

Goodbye to the seniors

There was a Valfi dinner for my hostel last night. It was a night to celebrate the seniors and say goodbye and congratulate them on being done! It was a very fun time with amazing food and so much of it. It is a formal type affair so everyone dresses up, the Indian way. That means... Saari or fancy Salwar Kameez sets. Everyone looked so wonderful and beautiful. It was a thoroughly fun affair!Yup, that me in a saari with Jeannie also looking beautiful

Oh what fun!

Photos

Not much new is happening at the moment other than studying for exams and getting ready to wrap up the semester and hopefully pack away some nice grades too!! Time will tell. I'm starting to get my things together for Bangalore and that is exciting, very exciting. Siddharth has an internship with GE as well so he and I are going to be chilling all summer. Hopefully we will be able to do some fun site seeing and a handful of weekend trips to explore the south of India. I've changed my start dates to allow me time to travel at the end of my trip when it wont be so hot up north. Turns out may is the hottest month up there pushing 120F in some areas!! I don't want to be trying to travel in that type of heat.... So here are a few more pics from the last few days and other random snaps. Enjoy!!

Fresh Lime Soda = my favorite = YUMM!!Mudricka and I at Lakeside on campus!
Hiranandani (apartments and shopping near campus)
Sunset at Lakeside
Sidd and I before heading out of campus - I'm a bandit so I don't breath so much pollution (plus I look cute :) )