I never made it to India, but it was high on my list. From what I've heard it's a land of extremes, where you can love it one moment and hate it the next. It sounds like you've found that also.
A pity that Lisa took off so quickly, but I guess most people just aren't ready for that kind of travel!
I agree that solo is best for long term travel. Some adventures just can't happen unless you are alone!
Every single word of this is correct! There are things I absolutely loved about India, and places I could happily live (Mumbai, Goa). And there are things and places that I absolutely hated.