We had a wonderful gathering at Miller and Jordan’s this morning complete with quiche and cocktails. I don’t typically enjoy big crowds at 8:00 AM on a Monday, so it means a lot when I say that it was a pitch-perfect send-off. There were tears, to be sure, but I dare say the atmosphere was down-right festive. No one can accuse Alice and me of being unloved.
The numbness of the day’s events hasn’t worn off yet. In fact, I don’t know if I will be able to truly wrap my head around this whole thing until we land in Africa in a couple of days. It is like I can’t form an accurate picture of what we are walking into, so I keep seeing flashes of the Hollywood version of Africa (think: ”Blood Diamond”). I know it is absurd to rely on the movies for guidance, but at this point it is all I have to go on. The next couple of days will be so far outside of my everyday experience that I expect my mind will be blown at least once every hour after arriving at our final destination. For now, I am content relaxing in a cozy hotel room, watching awful television, and enjoying drinks with ice in them.
October 4, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Hi Mr. A.J.! Happy Birthday! Congratulations, I heard you made it to Africa. Have a wonderful time!
October 17, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Sadaf,
Thanks for the b-day wishes. I hope school is going well for you so far. Did your pepper plant survive? I hope to start a garden here in Moz in a few months. I’ll keep you posted on how that goes.
October 23, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Hi!
You’re welcome! The pepper plants are doing good and there have been a few that grow in to swirls. It looks really cool! I have a high A in scince class and its really easy, thanks to you! All A’s except for math, but I’m bringing it up! So how’s Mozambique?
October 7, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Hi Mr. AJ,
I’ve been in Melbourne for a little over a day now and it is amazing! We live a little over a block away form the beach and everything is so laid back. Enough about me, how are you? Is africa awesome?
Have fun & “no worries”
Kat
October 17, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Kat,
I am glad to hear that you are having a good time in Aussie. Africa is great as well. There have been some major adjustments in lifestyle to contend with and learning the language is hard. I will update the blog soon when I have a better connection.
October 21, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Hi again,
I’m glad to hear that you are doing well. When I wrote to you earlier I hadn’t experienced public transport, I don’t mind it but it is really eye opening. Although I’m sure it’s nothing compared to what you are doing.
Have Fun & “no worries”
Kat
January 13, 2010 at 7:26 pm
HEY MR. AJ! I hope your doing all right in Africa!!! I read your story on ninja chipmunks and thats pretty awesome!!! I’m doing well in Science this year and have a 96% and it is no where near as awesome or fun as your class was! We don’t even have hissing cockroaches as pets or an awesome pepper garden! We all miss you very much here in the States and hope your doing well!!
Be Safe!!!
Madison W.