It's a bittersweet symphony

I can't believe it, but this is it. The last day. The last supper. The final countdown. The end. The fat lady's singing. It's over. Donezo. It's a fact, listening to Bing Crosby's rendition of "Galway Bay" on repeat does not help the situation.

I spent this morning shopping in town a bit, yesterday I had a perfect day. I read by the Spanish Arches (and got a ridiculous sunburn) and went shopping, lunched at 4, ate banoffi pie, had a pint, and then went for my last trad at the Crane Bar. It was perfect. Today, I'm obviously procrastinating packing by writing this last post. I had coffee and a muffin by the bay today after I finished getting some last-minute items, and it was glorious. Still though, I guess Mom's right when she says I'm melodramatic. I kept thinking, "This is the last time I'll..." fill in the blank with every possible thing I can think of. But I think I'm just emotionally attached to life and people. I took this quiz online that said I'm too emotional because sometimes it can take me days to get over a story from a movie or book. So I guess it will obviously take awhile to stop missing Galway. Running around with rugrats in Maine all summer should help.

Things I'm leaving behind (on purpose, of course...they're just 'misplaced')
a pair of my favorite earrings
half of a pair of another favorite
4 earring backs (not including the aforementioned earrings)
facewash, that could have been stolen by an Australian couple in Cinque Terre
holey sheets and socks
old towels
2 umbrellas, snapped by the Irish wind
a couple pictures that were eaten by the wall behind my desk
a camera case
a pair of flats, mourned in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
a sweet bike...that wasn't really lost though it was returned for 50 euro (Score!)

So really, Ireland can never forget me because I have all this crap all over the place.

I could write a list of what I'll miss, or what the high points of the semester has been, but that would be too long. I'll just have to talk non-stop about Ireland for the next 5 years, and maybe then you'll hear the whole story. Maybe even the non-censored version! (Yeah, I'm wild and crazy and hitchhike and stuff) (I'm kidding, I don't hitchhike).

Tonight the last meal will be fish and chips at McDonagh's and pints at Tigh Coili. Can I just say I am so sad to leave my Irish bartenders? What lads. They're class. I don't know what I'm going to do about it...maybe Fairfield or Rutherford will get an influx of Irish bartenders? Maybe Shane will open a proper Irish pub in NJ instead of Poland? We'll see.

I cannot wait to see everyone. I am so excited to be home even though I hate to leave. I miss everybody so much, that is why Galway could never be perfect. I am so glad there are two family events before I move to Maine so I can see everyone. and of course, First meal of beefsteak! First breakfast, chocolate chip pancakes! First chance, hugs for all! I miss the U.S. of A.

In parting, lyrics to 'Galway Hooker' (remember, it's a boat, not WT)

At the end of the day down in Galway Bay
We set sails for the very last time
Now I cannot believe for you and me
It's time to say goodbye...