I've said goodbye to everybody. I've had my farewell games of table tennis, farewell dinners, farewell coffees, farewell hugs, and even gave away some of my stuff that I can't take back with me/would be foolish to throw away to other students who will remain here.
I've cleaned my floor, kitchen, and bathroom with my own hands and elbow grease (nobody seems to know of a mop or broom available to residents, so all was done with sponges, paper towels, and a hand broom.) I spent my last euros (on gummy bears and rust remover...?) and have enough cash left over for a packed lunch from the bakery next to the train station. I have my bottle of water (all of which I must drink before I can get through security) and my bags are packed.
My life is once again in two suitcases (hopefully which are not too heavy, but probably are.) I'll probably take some of the paper items (namely those books I just had to take back with me) and shove them in my carry-on. Every bit of space counts, as does every distribution of weight amongst my bags. I'm prepared to make some last-minute discards at the airport.
As I walked back to my apartment for the last time, I looked out on the city of Wuerzburg from the central library and thought how I will never have this perspective - my favorite which I've found - ever again. It's over. My European Excursion is over. No more exciting weekend trips which are only a short train ride away. No more evenings at the pub or playing ping-pong. I will wake up in the morning, eat my bowl of cereal, and head out for the last time. I'm sure some pretty strong feelings will briefly sweep over me.
At the same time, I'm ready to go home. I'm ready to speak English, go to the grocery store at 9:30pm and take classes that are actually stimulating. This whole "suspended reality" in which I've been living has gotten old. I'm ready to be a functioning member of society.
So Goodbye, Germany. Hopefully we will see each other again sooner rather than later.
This was Adam, reporting for the last time from across the ocean. Farewell.
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