Goodbyes

It has been three days, but not much has happened. Mostly, I have been working on my paper, which at this point is halfway complete. Today, I will be forging my way through the last of it.

Yesterday and this morning was full of sad goodbyes. To have intensely befriended so many people over the last 3 weeks and have them so rudely wrenched away from you, whisked away as we must all be by our actual lives, is disheartening. I'll miss Marco, Quitaf, Hanan, Laura, Konstantina, Julia, Claire, Tom, Pam, Cecile, Victoria... all of them good people, kind people.

Marco (an eminent English-Italian translator) has promised to send me a book on Medival Elegys and some work by Edwin Muir, whose translation of Beowulf was THE translation until Seamus Heaney came along. I read one of his poems to the group during our celebration last night.

Laura and I both have interest in medieval studies, besides her being a cool person. Her passion inspires me. Victoria and Cecile, both sweet girls who I'm sincerely glad to have met.

Quitaf ans especially Hanan, hold a special place. Our talks about Iraq and America (civil of course) and what it means to be human, or what it means for us to have national identities that on the surface seem to conflict, and our discussions about what we both hope for in the future. These conversations remain precious jewels of insight. Our discussions demonstrated to me once again that half the misunderstandings in the world could be avoided if people were just open, honest, and loving to one another. As sappy as that sounds (and certainly this wouldn't work politically), it was refreshing to pull away the veils and reach something honest.

And Sue, Pam, and Tom. My teacher friends here. Great laughs and good contacts for AP. I enjoyed all our conversations.

Mostly, I appreciate our tutors and directors. Konstantina, Julie, Claire: for their excellent support and warm advice. I hope one day to see them again, maybe at the University of Glascow or Edinburgh -- who knows. Seeing people in the process of working on their PhD dissertations has helped me put a frame around some of the things I want to do, and their open encouragement and humour is one of the things I have loved about this place. (Emma and Lisa aren't leaving, but they also have been wonderful tot talk to).

There are more, but the list would go on for awhile. And not everyone is leaving. Tonight those of us left are going to go to see "Batman," which is finally out here.

Last night was a riot. At our farewell party, people were supposed to take turns displaying some type of talent or performing a skit. Some poetry, some dancing, some singing (some bad singing). I already mentioned that I read one of Marco's poems (which is still have in the English translation). Frankie and Laura convinced me that I should sing. Frankie's room is next to mine and she heard me singing, and on the hike this weekend someone mentioned "O Brother! Where Art Thou?" and I burst into a few lines of "Man of Constant Sorrow." Much pleading led me to sing the song for the group. There was no accompaniment, so I sang A Capella. Everyone enjoyed it, and I enjoyed doing it.

Afterwards, we went to a karaoke bar, and where I was convinced to sing again (not as much convincing neccesary at this point since a few Gin and Tonics transformed me into Frank Sinatra). I sang "Forever in Blue Jeans," "House of the Rising Sun," and "Stacey's Mom." (Phil and I were volunteered for the last one by Frankie). Everyone sang something at some point, and bad singing aside, everyone had a good time even though the bar itself was pretty lame. Good times.

My voice is hoarse today.

Now, I'm off to finish writing my paper. Hopefully I'll have something to report tomorrow (thinking about going to the Botanical Gardens for most of the day).