Goodbye?

Last night was the Acto de Despedida, aka goodbye party. Surprisingly less classy than I thought it was going to be, we all showed up, fancily dressed, to be escorted into a room with a few tables (standing height) scattered around. Let the awkwardness begin. Waiters tried to make their way through the crowds with tapas and drinks, although they only got a few feet into the room before their trays were empty. It's an odd feeling, knowing that it is the last time that you are going to see 95% of these people. Making small talk no longer seems necessary, as spending time with your true friends is more important. Kate, Chiarra, and I escaped upstairs for a bit to chat and avoid the insane noise level. The staff made a half-hearted attempt at a presentation, but the room was poorly set up, and not many people could hear them. The students wouldn't stop talking, so only about 3 rows of people got to appreciate the sentiments being shared. Teacher of the year was announced, which confused us, because we had never voted. We decided to ditch the craziness and get our own tapas and drinks, which then caused us to have to begin the round of "good byes". I worked my way through the room, awkwardly deciding if "this person" was worth saying goodbye to or not. We made it outside, where I finally found Angel. I thanked him for everything, telling him how much I enjoyed his classes. He told me that "I will do great things in my life", that I am a great writer, and that I am a joya (gem). His comments really struck me, because that was the first time in a while that a professor/teacher has acknowledged my abilities (both academically and personally), and I know that he didn't just say it casually. I really appreciated him offering up that encouragement. Kate, Chiarra, and I gave besitos to a few more staff members, and then we headed on our way. 

We went to a tapas place that I had been to a couple times, and ordered Tinto de Verano, and patatas bravas and other favorite tapas dishes. It was a great time of jokes and memories and thoughts about the semester. The perfect end to our time abroad.

I am still here in Sevilla until Thursday, which I am thankful for, in that it gives me time to pack and enjoy the city for a few more days without the pressure of exams (after Monday), but without my friends here, it feels odd. It's not as easy as meeting up with someone for coffee, or grabbing ice cream, or sitting by the river. We are back to the world of Skype, text messages, and hoping for visits across the country. 

But I did not mean this entry to be so melancholy. My senora has great things planned for me this weekend (including visiting her son's house in the campo), and I am happy to have time to enjoy the beauty that is Sevilla. And I am so excited to be heading back to my friends and family in a few short days. I can't wait to drive my car, shop at Kohls, have normal temperatures outside, and celebrate my birthday (among other things).