I’ve enjoyed every part of my days in Philippolis.
I like my morning ritual: Naartjie waking me up with boundless enthusiasm for the new day, taking her out for a jog, munching on tea and rusks, indulging in an episode of 7de Laan. I like my evening ritual: going to the tennis courts or an exercise class with Doreen, a family dinner with wine and the news, settling on a movie. I like everything in between: doing deskwork to the tunes of Tegan and Sara, reading a chapter of my book in the mid-morning sun, walking up to the corner store for a Coke in the heat of the afternoon.
But I need to start packing. I catch a bus at midnight on January 31 and will wake up in Cape Town on the morning of February 1. I’ll move my increasing heavy suitcases into a downtown apartment, pick up my rental car, and set off for an afternoon at my new place of work: the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) head office, where I’ll be interning with their monthly magazine, Equal Treatment.
I’m thrilled about working for TAC. And Cape Town has newspapers, video stores, coffee shops, fresh produce. I’ll be able to go to malls, beaches, dance clubs on weekends. But the transition will be overwhelming at first. The crowds, the traffic, the activity will all seem alien.
It has been especially quiet in Philippolis since Emily and Dodi returned to boarding school two weeks ago. I miss them all the time. But since our tearful farewell, I’ve spoken with them on the phone and exchanged text messages. Parting with my Jack Russell terrier will be more final. Naartjie and I have been inseparable these past two months – she even tries to climb into the shower with me – and I would love to keep her forever. But her owners are expecting her back. They have a big yard to accommodate her tireless sense of adventure, and I’ve been returning her for weekly visits so I know that she still feels at home with them. Nevertheless. The separation is going to break my heart. Maybe hers, too.
Why do they call it goodbye?
4 comments:
1591, from godbwye (1573), itself a contraction of God be with ye, influenced by good day, good evening.
That Speaking Shakespeare class has left a permanent interest in etymology -- sorry, I know you didn't really mean your question to be answered.
Good luck with the packing and the move back to the big city. I am going to miss reading about the strange little place you've been living in (I imagine your life, inexplicably, a bit like a South African Corner Gas). This must be sympathy nostalgia! I am comforted by the thought of cape town entries to come and a real journalistic experience...
Chin up and Godspeed.
cns
oh, I am sorry that you have to say 'goodbye' to your little friend, that's a tough one
Yes it is tough to leave such a beautiful experience..... But life is a collage of opportunities to explore, Enjoy !!!!!!
Pops
Naartje does sound like a spoiled little doggie. Hopefully his owners will continue to spoil. Check your suitcase to make sure she isn't trying to hitch hike again!! Love Aunt Rhonda
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