The Final Day

When I woke up this morning it didn’t feel as if I were leaving. I went on my typical morning run, got ready, and ate breakfast. The Guest House held the tradition of no water so I was sent with a heaping pile of clothing across the corridor to another room. The water actually worked in that room, however it was freezing cold. Sometimes I just can’t win.

I arrived in the office and started tying loose ends of anything I needed to talk to people about or give them. Then the goodbyes started. The offices I worked in at icipe are spread out, so I headed to the research building to say goodbye to Fabian and the group over there. I did this in the morning in case anyone was to leave early.

As a final meal, we ate one last lunch in the Guest House. I think they knew it was my last day because as tradition they served rice, beans, and fries—what my diet consisted of while living in Kenya. After lunch I really wanted to walk to the path I run on to take some pictures. A few steps out of icipe everyone realized that the place was far and we turned back. The afternoon was filled with me trying to concentrate on finishing my report, but my effort was useless. There were far too many distractions around me. In the office it didn’t feel like my last day. We talked as if I would have many more mornings to tell my colleagues about my weekends or Kenyan adventures.

Later in the afternoon as people left, the hard part came—saying goodbye. Friendships are such an interesting thing. It’s amazing how two months ago I didn’t even know many of these people existed, and, yet, for the past two months they have become close friends of mine, almost like a family away from home. I will miss each of them. I also thank them for everything they have done for me throughout my stay; they were part of making Kenya the amazing experience it was.

Right on time, my cab driver arrived to take me to the airport. On the drive I took in the surroundings as much as possible. The dirt roads and small vendors along the side will not be something I will see when returning home. This, along with the floods of people walking along the streets. Being an international flight, the cab driver offered to help me find the correct counter. After a few laps around the airport looking for a parking spot, we spotted one and took it. As expected, my luggage was far over weight. I tried to transfer some objects to another suitcase, but that suitcase was already stuffed. Luckily, the girl at the counter cut me a break and let it go through, even though I think it was over five pounds over. Within no time, I was boarding a plane and settled in for the night. Taking off I took one final look at the country I called home for two months, coming to the realization of how much I will miss it. But as many people say, this isn’t a “goodbye” it’s a “see you later.”