Another goodbye

So the dreaded day has come. I was out of my room for most of the day - and eating too. Revolutionary move. Had a late breakfast at Notre Dame with my best friend before we left for the airport. He was officially dressed, in full suit and tie. I looked like a hobo next to him. The airport was terribly empty - partly due to the strike by Immigration personnel. The groups and tourists have practically stopped coming as visas are not being issued. Anyway my friend had no problems going through security ... only he had to leave his computer and printer on the next flight ... due to security reasons. We had a short chat in the gallery; the huge glass walls looking out to the runway - his voice was practically gone but that didn't stop him punching the hell out of me - typical italian speaking with his hands ... and he was more worried about me than I was of him; after all he's leaving this place and will get medical help in Italy as soon as he arrives, and he'll be much happier back home. I'm sure his tonsillitis will be healed. A hug, a pat on the back, a punch on the arm and he left for the boarding gate and I went downstairs to take the shurut (mini-bus) home. Another goodbye. It sucked.