Weekend

An extraordinary weekend ... full of goodbyes as the school closed for summer.

Spent the whole of Sunday with Stefano. It was a touching experience because we never really knew each other. I've met him once when I visited La Salle earlier this year but we never spoke. But the last 8 weeks were terrific. A few days back he surprised me by asking me to organize his last day in the Holyland. He wanted to spend it with me: so we spent the morning by the beach, skipped lunch, walked the length of the city which was his last look at the city, had dinner at my fave Thai restaurant, then we said goodbye. But before that, I wanted him to see his last sunset along the beach. Ste is very attached to the land and his year-long experience with other students. It was difficult for him to let go and move on. Photo - Ste watching his last sunset in the Holyland along Gordan Beach.

Late last night Claudiu and Ilie called to say goodbye. They were at the airport. It was sad but nevertheless I was happy for them as they move on. Ilie will be married to Emmanuela in September and Cludiu ... well we never know what he wants.

Today just had lunch with Vax - a monster pizza. Vax got me a lovely shirt from Golf which absolutely fit in size and colour. Now that's proof he really knows me despite only 8 weeks. It's really too bad it took all 3 years to pass before we actually spoke to one another. But too late for regrets. We had a great time the past 8 weeks. He's the last to leave the country. Good luck Vax to your coming marriage and your studies in Durham.

So the lonely summer days begin. The doctoral students are all still in school doing their research. We have no holidays. But with the rest of the guys gone, life will not be the same.