We are packing up and heading out for the summer! Or winter....depending on where you live. I have survived another school year here, and it's been a doozy.
I had two dear friends that moved away. I volunteered on the PTA board, and immediately regretted it. I hung in, and while I wouldn't wish to repeat the experience, I'm glad I did it. We visited Dubai and South Africa, and saw amazing sights. The kids grew and thrived, and we've all gained even more patience and compassion from our time here.
We are leaving two weeks early, so we had to say our goodbyes to everyone in the neighborhood, and at school. I am always extremely awkward at greetings and goodbyes here, because it's so different than what I'm used to. You see, people here are kissers. They kiss when they meet, they kiss when they say hello, they kiss goodbye......that's a LOT of kissing! Some do the single kiss on the cheek. Some do the double. Some do a sort of combination, grab your shoulders and kiss you on each cheek. I'm much more comfortable with a wave, a fist bump, a "Yo, how's it going?" sort of approach, but I'm definitely the odd man out. Someone told me that in certain areas of Europe, they do up to SIX kisses at each greeting! I'm so relieved we didn't move there!
So, two years down and one to go. I'm still not completely loving this experience, but I'm confident that I can make the best of it. Ciao, Luanda - I will see you in August....but I'm still not going to kiss you.
Maybe by the time you leave next year you will be a kisser. :) I expect a double kisser when I see you in a week. :-)
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