Le Dernier Jour

The last day. It's true. It's sad. I'm in denial.

I started out the day by getting my very last pain au chocolat at my favorite bakery stall at Les Halles, and I said adieu to the baker. Then I took my history exam, during which I wrote an epic essay about the major social changes in France from 1945-1975. Then came time for lunch. I had been in the mood for a panini, but fate brought me to a kebab stand where I got the BEST kebab I've ever had. They're pretty much the same thing as a gyro, but this one was one of the best things I've ever tasted. Then it was time for my phonetics exam, a quick one-on-one with Madame to do a little dictation test and some reading. Quick and relatively painless. So exams were fine. After my last one I ventured back out to stock up on Kinder Bueno at the grocery store, because I need a supply of them to tide me over until I can get to Jungle Jim's to see if they sell them. And of course, to buy one last chocolate eclair.

I got back to the Center and just hung out with people for awhile, then it was time for our little farewell celebration. We had cider and cookies, and some of the host parents came, and also our friends from Carpentras from the American/French alliance. Very cute. After a little socializing and a few good-byes, my 3 good friends from the program and I set out in search of flowers for our respective hosts. But after that, the reality hit us that this was our last goodbye. That was tough. But of course we all promised to stay in touch, and I really hope to. I've met so many kindred spirits here and I don't want to lose them all forever.

On my way home I stopped inside the antique store I pass everyday just to have a look. Turns out it's a dozen tiny rooms full to the brim with antiques! It was like a museum. And I found this adorable vintage necklace, not sure what time period it's from but I like it anyhow. But then it was time to go back to the house and face the music: packing. And it was indeed a struggle, to say the least. After several attempts I got everything in there and had to throw my whole body weight on top to get my suitcase to zip. Of course, I have to open it tomorrow to cram a few more things in, so that should be another adventure in itself.

Around 7 or so Corine got home from work and I gave her the flowers and a little card I found for her with this quote: "Ne perds pas l'opportunite de voir quelque chose de beau. La beaute c'est la preuve d'existence de Dieu," or something like that. Translation: "Never miss an opportunity to see something beautiful. Beauty is the proof of God's existence." I found it in Nimes and thought it really just summed up her view on life. Every night she prays before dinner, "Thank you Lord for all these good things, all these beautiful colors, for this lovely day. Bon appetit." But in French, of course. She really liked both the card and the flowers, so I was content.

But tonight was definitely a celebratory occasion, being that it's my last night, exams are over, and incidentally it's also the feast of St. Natalie. So Corine took me out to dinner in town! We went to a creperie and had, of course, crepes, with some salad and cider. Then we went and got soft-serve. After that we just sort of strolled around, talked a little bit, then it was time for me to meet my friends. We went to our usual haunt, Bar Les Celestins, where I had a kir (white wine, cassis, and some kind of syrup). We just had a low-key sort of night, definitely bittersweet, and when it was time to go home and go to sleep nobody wanted to say good-bye. I will truly miss these kids, and I will certainly never forget the times we have shared here in this beautiful place. But again, I'm trying not to process it all right now. I have to focus on my long day of travel tomorrow (technically today, since it's past midnight here). Oh boy...July 28th is going to be one long day!

Speaking of which, I had better get some sleep.

Love and miss you all, and see you soon!
Natalie