Goodbyes are always more poetic in books and movies than in real life. Because in real life, they’re emotional and downright painful.
That night, everyone came in their best outfits and high spirits. We greet at the door, talk for a moment, then are seated amongst our new and old friends. Everyone skirts around the reason we’re gathered in the first place; we make small talk and focus on the various wines and dishes they bring us rather than discuss the fast approaching end.
As the night continues, there’s an air of urgency as everyone tries to get out as many thoughts and conversations and last remarks as humanly possible before the final course is served. As dessert is passed around, there’s a more hushed tone to our group; we still converse, but it’s not nearly as rushed now, we revel in the company of one another. Everyone knows what’s to come, but no one wants to admit that it’s time.
As the final drinks are had and the last of the dishes are cleared, we are left with the stark realization that this is indeed the end of our time together. The month came and went so quickly, it feels like we just got off the train that morning.
We look around, smiles everywhere; we embrace, exchange gifts, and get in any last minute words before we stumble off into the night – our final night in Italy. For some of us this is the end of our time there, for some it’s only a stop along the way of another great adventure; regardless of what comes next, we will all hopefully look fondly back on this month and remember every wonderful, sometimes sweaty moments together knowing we were having the time of our lives.