Last Days

So I got my visa, and they put me on a plane. I'm currently writing this from my studio apartment in Suseong-gu, Daegu, South Korea. It's cozy. That's the word I'll go with: cozy. Before I get to talking about Korea, let me mention some of the things I did getting ready to leave.

OAA Alumni Weekend
I had a great time camping down at the Indian Village at the 2012 Onteora Alumni Weekend. Had some great times with old friends, met some old staffers from back in the day, swapped some songs and stories, and just got to enjoy home for one last time before I left the country. I also got to swing by the Robin Hood for breakfast, which is always a plus.

 My tarp, sadly, was not as long or as wide as my new hammock, so I woke up to some rain pooling underneath me at about 2 in the morning. That's camping for you.

 The location couldn't have been nicer. While some of the older guys were on cots in the health lodge or in campers by the long house; me, Eric, Drew, Vinny, Katie, Rob (of the Jambo variety), Tim, and Logan had this beautiful spot right on the shore of the lake. NOthing like being woken up by the sun rising over Orchard Lake.

Me and Eric saying goodbye to home at the brand new sign. We'll see who gets back to Onteora first. It'll probably be Eric.


Graveyard Party in Jersey City
So I went out to Jersey City to say hi and bye to Zach, and wouldn't you know it, there was a benefit party in the old Jersey CIty Cemetery to raise some money. Who would pass up the chance to hang out in a graveyard listen to music and drink a few beers? Certainly not Zach or me. We also got the chance to head into the old tunnels that have functioned as tombs, passages during the revolution, and various other activities. It was a great day, and seeing Zach one last time was a big plus.

At Home
Drew and the Goebels came by at various points to say goodbye. Chelsea also came to visit one last time for some rainy day movies. She also helped me start packing, which worked out well, because I got my flight that afternoon! I will say, I am leaving behind some absolutely wonderful people. I couldn't ask for better friends in this world. I got some last minute pointers from everyone, which was nice. I also got to have my favorite meal one last time. Thank you mom!

Then, of course, I packed some more, which I don't want to dwell on. Oversized baggage charges are rather unfortunate. Oh well. At the airport I got to see almost the whole family. Morgan and Emma and Caroline called/texted to send me off, and Grandma, Poppy, Uncle Stephen, Kathy, Dad, and Mom all showed up. Michelle and Ken dropped by earlier in the morning. After a lot of pictures (which I don't have) and goodbyes (which were very sweet and almost tearful), I went through security, found my gate, and grabbed one last mountain dew...or so I thought. More on that soon!