I finally got my wish. When we returned to Mumbai we experienced heavy rains and several days of flooding. During the short breaks in rain, we ran errands in Mumbai, finished our shopping and visited Nadia’s extended family.

After a lot of conversation and some soul searching, we decided to return to California to prepare for our next adventure: Russian lessons and volunteering in Kazakhstan.

We spent a little over a month in California studying Russian, packing and hanging out with friends and family. Highlights include time in the ocean kayaking and surfing, spending time with friends and family in San Diego and LA, BBQ on the beach, 75 cent rides at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, nightlife in San Francisco and family reunions.

We are excited for the opportunity. More from Kazakhstan to come soon…

The above title is in tribute to our dear friend Martin who is also leaving San Francisco. Martin is returning to Stockholm after several years in the Bay Area and we were glad to spend some time with him and other friends before our own journey.

We spent last Thursday in San Francisco wrapping up visa logistics and doctors appointments. After our adventures at both the Indian consulate and the place they outsourced visas to we had a chance to relax. We found it hilarious that the Indian government is now outsourcing to the U.S!

We took some time to enjoy a last burrito in the Mission for old time’s sake and hang out in Dolores Park.

Aaron spent the late afternoon at a wine tasting event with his childhood friend John while I went shopping in Union Square. In the evening we met up with friends at Bliss Bar in Noe Valley. It was great to see everyone and get a chance to say goodbye!

After a long day, we were happy to relax over some wine with Matt and Raish in Novato. I appreciated spending a night in my old bed, which is now housed in their guest room. Aaron had a hard time making me get up the next morning!

It was gorgeous weather for much of our stay, and when not sleeping, eating, or cleaning my mom’s shed to make room for all our stuff, we took time to visit the beach. We made it to Torrey Pines, Del Mar Beach, and also P.B. Aaron skinboarded at Mission Beach while I basked in the sun. We met up with our friends Lauren, Karla and Marty for some excellent greek cuisine at Cafe Athena in Pacific Beach.

We had a chance to visit with Aaron’s grandmother Jane and all in all, spent lots of quality time with friends and family, including a fun bbq at my mom Shireen’s house. It was great to spend so much time with Sophia, Khalid and Shireen. Two weeks is definitely not enough for San Diego.

A blow hole occurs when ocean waves hit shoreline cliffs. Water and air are trapped beneath the rocks of the cliff and shoot up in the air through a hole or gap in the rocks, giving the appearance of a geyser.