I woke up at 6.30 am and started packing and unpacking again to come to the final conclusion that it will be impossible to go home with two bags. I simply cannot fit it all in. So, I finally decided to take the carrier bag and try to pass it off as handluggage. We'll see.
This morning, we were expected at Fayerweather for a final, written in-depth evaluation of the programme. We took our time to write some comments - as far as I am concerned - very positive ones and to give some minor suggestions as to possible improvements.
Then, we had an hour and a half to go back to the dorm. The clouds had broken in the mean time and it rained like never before. At the dorm, we discovered that Victor had written an ITD-anthem, so we decided to practise and Nguyet, with a voice like a nightingale, set us on the right tune.
This morning, we were expected at Fayerweather for a final, written in-depth evaluation of the programme. We took our time to write some comments - as far as I am concerned - very positive ones and to give some minor suggestions as to possible improvements.
Then, we had an hour and a half to go back to the dorm. The clouds had broken in the mean time and it rained like never before. At the dorm, we discovered that Victor had written an ITD-anthem, so we decided to practise and Nguyet, with a voice like a nightingale, set us on the right tune.
It was time to go to our farewell meal. The round tables were laid beautifully and we were seated with ITD staff. Jennifer Philips, from the State Department, Leslie Laurie, Frank Couvares and Rosetta Cohen were also present. We started with our song and our gifts for all the ITD people who made our stay so unforgettable. Then we had a lovely lunch and talked about the six weeks spent together.
Bruce then took the floor and produced a most moving and funny speech, in which he summed up our characteristics, one by one. We wept, and smiled, laughed and applauded. How well he knows his flock!
Julie continued with the ceremony and one by one we received our certificates, a group picture, a bookmark and a flash stick, which we will certainly treasure.
A very difficult moment followed when Julie from Australia, Kleo from Cyprus and Dai from Japan left. We all started weeping or had at least a heavy feeling in our chest. Saying goodbye is never easy ... it breaks your heart to let go of people you've come to know, to like, to appreciate. We are all making promises of keeping in touch. I do so hope we will...
In the afternoon, we went for a final shopping trip to the mall, a final drink at the Brewery, a final stroll along Amherst "downtown". Then we closed the door behind us for the very last time...
All good things come to an end, I know. If it hadn't been good, we wouldn't be so sorry to go. Therefore I think this sadness has a happy edge. We were the lucky ones. The ones who had the chance to be part of this whole experience. Let's keep that memory alive and kindle it with emails, skype, letters and photos.
My time on this blog is nearly up. Next time I write here it will be from home.
Bruce then took the floor and produced a most moving and funny speech, in which he summed up our characteristics, one by one. We wept, and smiled, laughed and applauded. How well he knows his flock!
Julie continued with the ceremony and one by one we received our certificates, a group picture, a bookmark and a flash stick, which we will certainly treasure.
A very difficult moment followed when Julie from Australia, Kleo from Cyprus and Dai from Japan left. We all started weeping or had at least a heavy feeling in our chest. Saying goodbye is never easy ... it breaks your heart to let go of people you've come to know, to like, to appreciate. We are all making promises of keeping in touch. I do so hope we will...
In the afternoon, we went for a final shopping trip to the mall, a final drink at the Brewery, a final stroll along Amherst "downtown". Then we closed the door behind us for the very last time...
All good things come to an end, I know. If it hadn't been good, we wouldn't be so sorry to go. Therefore I think this sadness has a happy edge. We were the lucky ones. The ones who had the chance to be part of this whole experience. Let's keep that memory alive and kindle it with emails, skype, letters and photos.
My time on this blog is nearly up. Next time I write here it will be from home.
Geen opmerkingen:
Een reactie posten