One week to go.
The parties have started.
Friday night’s party was not technically our goodbye party, but it was a chance for us to see some of our friends for the last time before we go. It was a blast! It was an expat party, and quite a few of the people there were either moving to Scotland too, or have plans to visit there later this year. It was nice to be able to say, “See you soon.” instead of goodbye.
Yesterday’s party was harder. These were several of our Brazilian friends and we won’t see them again unless we come back here some day. We don’t know if that will happen though, so it really was a goodbye.
We all gathered at the beach in Barra São João, gathered around the BBQ and had a great time.
We roasted in the sun, went through gallons of water, and gallons of beer, we followed the shade.
We also laughed, told stories and jokes, and tried to pretend it wasn’t a goodbye.
Then we showed the Brazilians how to drink tequila.
Salt. drink. lime.
It was revenge for the first time they showed us how to drink cachaça.
Oh, the faces! First the confusion, then the wariness, then the grimace as the tequila and lime kicked in. Hilarious!
Everybody made a point of telling us how much they’ll miss us.
We were mostly successful at fighting off the tears.
Mostly.
Then Brian found a way to work it off with football.
We have been so lucky to make such good friends here. This is the hard part, the goodbyes. How do you do it?
How do you do it when they’re telling you they love you, and begging you to find a way to stay, and wishing you the best while they try to dry their eyes?
I don’t know.
I’m here for another week, and Brian will leave a few days after me. We have dinner plans every night until we leave. Every night we’ll spend time with another set of friends who we’ll say goodbye to.
Dammit.
Bring on the tissues.
Awww, sweetie. It IS hard to say good-bye. It really brings all that impermanence right into your face. My love goes with you on your newest adventure. Safe journeys.
Thanks, Jennifer. Nothing is forever, but sometimes those transitions are hard.
Your life has been in transition since Reno,but even leaving there wasn’t bad because it was always within reach for a “fix” when needed. This is different because you put down semi-permenant roots and it’s hard to pull them up. You’ll do it all over again in Scotland and it may be permenant or it may be transitional…..who knows. Just roll with the waves and let it happen. What will be, will be. The goodbyes are always hard, but they are followed by the new hello’s and, from the sound of it, there are some really excited people behind those new hello’s waiting for you!
All true. I’ve been here before, and the yin-yang of it all is very familiar. We’ll cry a bit and be just fine, and the friends we’ve made will always be with us.
Goodbyes are never easy, you both have made a lovely life in Brazil, as hey say You cant have rainbows without the rain x
No rainbows without the rain. I like that!
Oh Peg, it must be so hard. But think of all the exciting times ahead!
Have you heard of April showers btw? IN abundance at the moment, I’ve got the heating on 23 because it’s so cold.
Rain showers and you’ve got the heating on? You’re not helping! LOL