Freedom…for what?

At noon the papers were turned in. By 1.00 pm students were wondering what to do with themselves. No more books to read or essays to write. No more lectures to attend or tutorials to prepare for. No more grocery shopping or dinner cooking, just unscheduled time to be. I didn’t even have packing (or the procrastination of it) to keep me occupied as I’d done it the previous day.

A rainy route of Christmas caroling commenced at 7.30 pm, but I had a ceilidh to attend. Similar to the barn dance on Friday, the ceilidh consisted of Scottish folk dances done in pairs and involving sets, turns, spins weaving and an assortment of other enjoyable movements. Having tried a few of the same dances the week before, I caught on quickly and had an amazing time. The oversized smile on my face was completely genuine. Few things are as delightful as “stripping the willow.” Even better to be doing it all dressed up with two of my closest SCIO friends – Marisa and Bethany. We walked in and were served salmon sandwich appetizers and elderflower cordial. The tables were clothed, balloons and twinkle lights hung, and we were impressed. Aside from the awkward period of standing in the corner hoping for a partner prior to each song, it was the perfect way to end a great semester of Discuss. Marisa’s partner even drove us home in his little read sports car. I couldn’t help but smirk when she tried to get in on the driver’s side, forgetting that it was a European auto.

It was another night of way too much food, as students began baking with leftover ingredients and trying to get rid of all that was accumulated over the term. My self-restraint was not very high. I’m pretty sure my suitcase isn’t the only thing that has gained weight in the past week ;)

Friday I sent off my massively overweight bag with the couple who are hosting me next weekend. I am so grateful for them and their car! One of the food groups made breakfast, so the kitchen smelled amazing. That morning we walked over to the Vines for SCIO debriefing. The weather was absolutely stellar. Cool, but not actually cold, and clear with very little breeze and a bright sun visibly in the sky. The walk that Jonathan led us on through the parks and Mesopotamia was even more beautiful than the one home, during which we fed the ducks, watched the sun set and took many pictures. How I will miss this place and its beauty.

That night the awkward goodbyes began as people packed, ate, baked, ate, e-mailed, and got ready to travel home and abroad. I went to the Rose and Crown with a group early on and out for something like jello shots with Alicia later. We came home to facemasks, the first round of farewells, and our last tea, which Jonathan served to 12 rather somber Crickers. The end was near.