I have been enjoying my final weeks in Madrid, crossing off as many things as possible from my year-abroad to-do list, and not leaving any time for writing, which I feel bad about! Here's a brief overview of my life, which can basically be summed up as: THE WORLD IS IN FLUX.
People are on the move. One of my roommates left, a new one arrived, the old one returned for 2 days and then left again. My brother and sister-in-law came and went, and many Fulbrighters have already departed for the U.S. or are about to do so shortly. I am also on the move: I went to Lisbon last week with J & A, am finishing up my last week with students tomorrow, and will take off for a 2-1/2 week Eurotrip next Friday. And somewhere in there, I need to get a job lined up heh heh...
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| Photos, from top to bottom: Pastéis de Belém: making pastries since 1837 Sunset view of Lisboa from the Bairro Alto Beach at Costa de Caparica (We went in! Brr.) |
About a month ago, I would've said I was over the moon to have the day I set foot on U.S. soil fast approaching. But now that the farewells have begun, I'm feeling a bit blue, not to mention overwhelmed. How do you bid adieu to a whole host of people who have made your year absolutely wonderful but who you may never see again? I've decided to go with the tried-and-true thank-you notes and brownies method... will let you know how it pans out.
With teachers, it's not so hard because keeping in touch is as simple as clicking "send." But with students, it's tough because it'll be impossible for me to stay in contact with all 350 of them, and we all know it. Today, one of my classes gave me a giant heart card, and inside, each student had written a little note, all in English. "Don't forget us!" many of them said. And one added, "I wish you have a good life in the U.S.A. with lots of friends." (Heart. Melting.) They also included a photo of me with the whole group, which we took one day last week. I nearly cried it was so bittersweet. Kids are THE BEST.
Anyway, this next week is going to madness: packing up my room, finishing up at school, tying up loose ends, preparing to start up a whole new life (again) in Chicago, etc. I am not sure I'll have internet while on vacation, so this may be my last blog post til I write a quick "I'm safely home!!" post when I get back to Milwaukee on July 15. I'm looking forward to seeing friends and family and experiencing the joys of cash back, clothes dryers, and good ol' American English.
Un fuerte abrazo y nos vemos pronto,
E.
