Giulia is leaving us today...her flight from Boston is at 6 pm, but STS has asked that she be at the terminal at 3. She's packed (jam-packed is the real description) without a single inch of space left. How does anyone pack up a year's worth of memories, gifts, and the stuff she originally came with?
Yesterday afternoon lots of Giulia's friends stopped by to say their final farewells. Of course, tears welled up in everyone's eyes as they promised to stay-in-touch. I kept reminding them how easy it is for them to do so...they really have no idea of the letter-writing days of yore, when you posted a letter that took 2 weeks to reach a European destination, and 2 weeks more for a return letter. Nick had just such communication with friends when he was here 18 years ago. Nick spent every day at the post office sending off more letters, and was on a first name basis with all the PO staff. I don't think Giulia has stepped into the post office even once all year, although I've shown her where it was.
Giulia, Adriana and I went to Boston via train yesterday morning to attend to some official business concerning certifications of her academic records at the Italian Consulate Office. There, Adriana got a small zip-lock bag of shredded currency...at the Federal Bank, where the Consulate Office was located.
On Monday, we 3 went to Southwick's Zoo. We had perfect weather and spent nearly all day there, rode the Skyfari and the Wonderland Express. We saw lots of baby animals, and saw where the zoo is building a large natural habitat for the giraffes (each year they add another natural habitat to the area). Giulia's year in Mendon is now officially complete. She quips that despite our small town size, it took her a full year to explore its entirety.
So, now it's off to Boston and Logan Airport. Thanks for the memories, Giulia. We'll miss you!
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