The summer ends......

Its 2:00 am in Arkansas, and I am wide awake. My bodyclock needs to reset to the US time, ASAP. Last week was incredible. The phrase-“No place like home” could well sum up my short visit to Kolkata, India.

After the 10 weeks in South Africa, it was the official end to my summer. I met up with my closest friends and had a great time. It would have been perfect had I not have to answer the same questions about Arkansas and Africa. How is US? What's  Africa like?, What do you eat?, Who cooks?, Where do you live? and, so on and so forth. In the end, whenever I met someone for the first time I was like, “Please read my blog and lets talk about you”. J

Ma made all of my favorite dishes and I hogged on them, literally. I have gained a few pounds in the last week alone. For once, dad had no problem with me sleeping late. My friends however complained that I wasted too much time sleeping and, didn't spend much time with them. However, I did manage to visit a few of my favorite places and, also catch up on the latest Bollywood release. “Ek tha Tiger” was a typical Bollywood movie and, I enjoyed it to the core.

Mom and Dad were the happiest to see me home. This picture was clicked before I was leaving so, mom is a bit glum.

Ma insisted on a solo pic.

 Adrita & Sourav- my two partners in crime. I wish they could have taken out more time from work.

I miss the yummy jalebis and the yummy breakfast comprising of hot puris and spicy potatoes.

Subahnkar and Sourav dragged me from bed early one day, they wanted to see the Kolkata morning, before I left Kolkata for the fall semester.

Howrah Bridge- Perhaps, the most famous bridge in India. There is a movie with the same name.

Victoria Memorial: A example of the architecture from the British times.

Kolkata was the first city to have the metro in India. They didn't look the same always.Efforts are on to revamp the look and make more profits. I hope they succeed, it's part of our heritage.

Well, now that I am back in Arkansas. It seems there is so much to do. New classes, new professors, preparation for the presentation on the internship and, lots of catching up to do with my classmates.All I think about is: LET THE FALL SEMESESTER BEGIN!

Week 9 & 10 - End of the BEST Internship Ever!!!!!

My internship has ended. The last one and a half weeks have been a whirlwind of activities. The two projects were rather well received and, the comments and feedback has been very encouraging.To my dismay, I realized that I have not introduced the wonderful people I work with, in my blog. These are the people who helped, mentored, and guided me in the project and, made it a success. It’s been a big mistake on my part and, I apologize. So, I would like to introduce the wonderful Supply Chain Team at Mr Price who helped us (Huaying and me) in every possible way.

Julie, Veneshree and, Suraya the best supply chain team and the most wonderful  workmates too!

The team at the Distribution Center. Will miss you guys!

Werner- the best mentor.

We had two farewell bashes, one at our place and, the other at an Italian restaurant. At both the events, it seemed that the internship had ended almost too soon. It’s difficult to say goodbye to the people whom have you gotten close to. In our stay in Africa, the people we met were definitely amazing. Never once did we feel that we were in a different country or, among strangers. Wherever we went, whatever we did, there was this huge support from the HR team at Mr Price. I can’t thank them enough for all that they have done for me.

At our farewell bash. Everyone's so happy that we are leaving. :-)

Africa has given me so much and, time spent here has been most enriching. I can proudly say that, my first corporate experience in supply chain has been very rewarding. Working with the biggest retailor in South Africa has taught me a lot and, I am sure this will prove to be a stepping stone into my future.  I take back with me lots of fond memories, some south African jargon (Hectic, Now Now) , and the lifelong friendship of many people.

Portia & Cindie- Thank you sooo much for taking on our responsibility.

David- Thanks for showing us the "Big 5" and, Justin - Thanks for all the cooperation at Mr Price and selecting me  for the internship. Right choice. :-)

The most fun loving colleagues. The made the day so lively. Lucille, Desara and Mark- Will miss your comments 

Athi and Sam- keep smiling and see you in the US. Thanks so much !!!!

Edwina- Wonderful time in Joburgh , thanks so much.

Portia and Angela- Cape town, will never forget it. Nor, will I forget all the help and the  time spent together. Thanks so much

Karen, Steve and Paula- Thanks for having us here and making sure we had the BEST INTERNSHIP  EVER!  Mr Price Rocks!!!!!!!!

In Bengali, my mother tongue, when a person is leaving he is taught to say “I will return” instead of “I am going”. So I say to South Africa, Mr Price and the wonderful people I met here – A BIG THANK YOU AND I WILL RETURN.

Protea- The national flower. Thanks South Africa for the hospitality and the MOST wonderful memories and  making me part of the unique and diverse culture.

P.S – Before I return to Fayetteville I have a quick halt at Kolkata, my hometown.