The Time Has Come, The Walrus Said...

All good things must come to an end.

And sadly, today, nearly ten months to the day that I first arrived in South Africa, so too does my trip of a lifetime.

I'm feeling an overwhelming mix of emotions.

Part of me misses my family and friends so much it hurts and a lot of excitement and relief comes with knowing I'll be seeing them soon. But another part of me is deeply attached to the life I've carved out for myself here. The thought of leaving it behind has me feeling incredibly sad.

It's like I am leaving one life for another. The great thing about living in another country for nearly a year is that you make great memories and friendships that last a lifetime...yet that is also the tragedy. It works out as quite the cruel double edged sword.

To all my South African friends who graciously accepted me into their lives over the past ten months -- thank you from the bottom of my heart. I look forward to keeping in touch. Remember, you will always have a place to stay the next time you feel an urge to jet off to Canada-land and snowboard!! :)

With any luck, I'll be able to hop online at any one of the three airports I'll be visiting within my upcoming 34 hours of travel and give you guys an update. If not, keep an eye on this space as I'll sure to be posting more about my last weekend here as well as my trip home.

Keep sending me your positive thoughts. I'm going to need it to push through the upcoming cry-fest at the airport and the looonnngg set of flights ahead.

Until next time,
Marie