Ireland happened and was perfect. The 4 day weekend known as, "Castle Quest '09!" was epic. We visited 5 castles. Kissed the Blarney Stone. Drank at pubs. Saw a leprechaun. Got lost on Irish roads. Stayed at hostels of varying degrees of comfort. And we were surrounded by green. Rolling hills and fields of the brightest, lushest green anyone has ever seen.
My mother came to visit. For a detailed story of her time here, feel free to visit her blog; http://marybethr.blogspot.com/
For me, the best thing about her trip was having her with me. We did so much, but the key thing was that is was "we", she and I, doing those things together.
But now. Today is October 7th, and I am alone in France. My roommate, best friend, and partner in crime has flown back to America.
Half of my bedroom is empty. I moved to the other side of the room. It's a better side, plus, now, the empty side isn't Sarah's. It is the side formerly known as Emily's.
I have to say though, even though it is sad she had to leave, her last few nights here were absolutely legendary. Knowing she was leaving, sleep was a waste of time for us. Why waste hours sleeping when we could be adventuring?
The first night of fun started with art projects. The poster Sarah drew for me of Ariel is on my wall now, forever reminding me of our good times. At about 2 am, Sarah made a proclamation that a trip to Roly Poly Hill was necessary. We headed off to Roly Poly Lake and spent an hour or so rolling ourselves down the hill under the brightest full moon of the year. Once we felt too dizzy to continue, we layed on the hill, gazing at the stars and talking about life. Sleep, not necessary.
We spent Sarah's last day in France at Disneyland, running around, visiting friends, taking it all in. I was seeing the park through her eyes, it felt like I was saying goodbye to it too.
Time for her farewell fun. We went to Billy Bob's and watched the French line dancers. Anyone who says all the French hate America need to go to Billy Bob's and they'll see plenty of French people doing America proud. Back to Boiserie for one last hopping night for Sarah at 4613. The entire evening revolved around "Le capsule de temps," our time capsule. We (a bunch of Americans and a Dutch) filled an empty wine bottle with treasures and memories.
The burial.
Anyone who thinks that burying a relatively large item in the hard French ground at 3 am with nothing but spoons and ladles is easy is wrong. We ran around, trying to find an appropriate location. Too many roots, too exposed, too hard, too close to security. Finally, we found the perfect spot and the digging began. More than one spoon was broken and mud was strewn everywhere, but the activity was a success. Our memories are buried at the Boiserie, and in 5 years, we'll be back to re-live them.
The next day, we said goodbye. I held it in, and I gave Sarah the goodbye I knew she wanted. The second she was out of my sight though, I lost it. Praise God for the Dutch. Back to 4613, to say goodbye to Maggie who was moving out to stay her last week with her family. And now it's empty. Today, my day off, feels different than any other day off I've ever had. Because there is no one to come home later. Right now, 12:30 in the afternoon, is lonely in the exact same way it will be in 5, 6, 7 hours.
that was a last hurrah you won't forget. i loved your post; it was sullen and i wish sarah did not have to go.
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