regression

Ulica Florianska is a pretty street off the main square in Krakow; I arrived here this afternoon following a two hour bus-ride down from the mountains. Distance 100+ km, bus fare, about two US dollars. Nuts.

I am currently sat in an internet cafe, somewhat recessed from the steady flow of passers-by on the main pavement, checking up on the outside world for the last time before I begin my journey home, early tomorrow morning.

Saying my goodbyes, today, to the people - friends - with which I was working was a very moving experience for me. It has rarely been the case that I've found myself treated so affectionately by so many and in so short a time, and this morning was certainly an exception that will stick in my mind. The strangest aspect of it all is the fact that I've only been here for eleven days; perhaps sticking together pretty much 24/7 made all the difference, but whatever the case, there were many handshakes, even more hugs, and even some tears. It really didn't seem silly at the time, though I expect that in due course, the memory will become static in my mind and perhaps lose much of its poignancy.

But in the meantime, it is all fresh, and I have plenty to digest - getting a good look at my mountain of pictures will be a great reminder of what has been a really wonderful experience; I'd like to recount some of it here if I find the time, but until then, all I have to say is my own private "thank you" to my friends and students for making it all so very memorable; I know you'll never see this, but that really isn't a point of consequence.

A wonderful country. I'll be back in Poland one day, and hopefully soon, mark my words.