So, I'm in Calgary now. It's really cold, and there's a bunch of snow on the ground, but yesterday I had Junior Bacon Cheeseburgers, and today I got to drive my own car. I have said good-bye to some amazing friends in the last week, but tomorrow I fly down to get Erin. I'm a lot further from anyplace that serves good fondue, but so far I've understood almost all the people who have tried to talk to me since I arrived.
Yeah, kind of strange.
As I was leaving Geneva, something happened that made me think of Derek - perhaps the only man I know who has more appreciation for a well-crafted analogy than I do. This is what it was.
I had 8.20 CHF left... all the rest I had deposited in my bank, or traded for USD, or gotten rid of some other way (like a roasted chestnut binge - I figured it may be a while before I get those again). I figured I'd get a sandwich and a drink or something at the airport. Well, I get past security, went to the sandwich guy, and looked, and most of his sandwiches were more than I had, just on their own. But he did have croissants, for 1-60 each.
I did the math... 3 croissants at 1.60 would be 4.80, which would leave me 3.50 for a coffee to go with them. So that's what I ordered. He gave me the croissants, gave me the coffee, and then told me the total: 8.50.
Oh.
I counted again to make sure and then just said, "uh, let's make that two croissants". He looked confused so I explained that I was 30 cents short. He just looked at me, kind of shrugged, and said "that's okay - no problem. " He took my partial payment, gave me the food, and I thanked him for being so kind and left.
And I realized that's a bit how I feel about leaving Geneva now... like I spent every last cent. I didn't run out while I was there - I had everything I needed, both to have, and to give, but I didn't have any left in reserve by the time I got on that plane. As hard as it is to say good-bye to the wonderful friends I have there, I've reached the end, and I'm ready for what's next.
It's going to be a pretty interesting few months.
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6 comments:
Wonderful post Darryl. Welcome back.
-Natalie O.
Thanks, Nat. By the way - trifle countdown as officially started...
Welcome back Darryl, can't wait to hang out. I know of a place that makes pretty tasty pain du chocolat. And they even call it that! And it's right next to Janic Beaton Fine Cheese's which may provide delicious ingredients for a fine cheese fondue should you be craving one.
I like it. Great symbol for your way out. Bittersweet, but okay.
Hope you are having a good time with Erin (how blessed to have someone waiting for you on the other side of the ocean), doing ok with culture shock, and seeing the hope in what's next. When we first started getting to know each other, David emailed to me, "Maybe now is the time for you to reach for your joy, with both hands."
I got a Christmas tree ornament for David which I will tuck in his stocking: a silver star that says one word on it: "hope". If all goes well, I'll give him a matching star next year, one that says "joy".
PS don't forget, Canadian Superstore has Swiss-approved pre-made fondue packets. Kirsch included. Yum. But I bet you can find whatever you need at the cheese store.
Hey dude! What's with the updates? We miss you on this side of the pond =(
Good man Delamont,
So... Noah and I have been slumping around the house awkwardly, unable to look at sunshin-y objects without tearing up, or to accept invitations for multi-player card sessions with dealers and chips, or to spend lengthy amounts of time taking photographs, buying slim fitting black jeans, viewing Dutch artwork or drinking hot chocolate. You must start posting again soon, my friend. What will become of us?
:) we miss you Darryl
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