Claire's Gone

Well, Claire left this morning. We both got up really early to be ready when our driver came. Thus, we both got the sick 'airport feeling' - Claire moreso because she's actually travelling. It's funny, in pretty much the same proportion to how much I love the process of travelling, Claire hates it. So she was anxious about the trip home, but really excited to see her husband. Actually, today is their 10 month anniversary, so Claire will be back in Indiana in time to celebrate with John. (=

We were at the airport way too early, and checked in over two hours before the flight. So we had lots of time to sit at the Au Bon Pain cafe and talk. We were both sad that our visit was over, but not in the same way we were sad to say goodbye at Ruth St. last spring. See, it's not the end of something, it's the marker of passing that transistional point between college roommates and life friends. And we have more great memories from the last 10 days than I could have ever imagined. And we have great plans to improve our student's pen pal program for next year. And as I rode home on the bus, I shed a little tear, but was overall just happy to have such a wonderful friend, and to know that she will always be part of my life.

Now, I have to turn my attentions to getting ready to leave Taiwan in a few days. I am THRILLED. I have reached my limit, I must leave this country before I start screaming at people in the street. Seriously. Actually, right now, our Taiwanese roommates daughter and her boyfriend are in my apartment, and it's making me very grouchy. I'm so tired of Taiwan, I feel tempted to say "I'm leaving and never coming back!" But I think all I need is a summer of quiet and, more importantly, personal space. If you are a stranger - DO NOT TOUCH ME OR STARE AT ME! Thank you very much for your consideration.

THe "Carole and Claire's Taiwan Adventure PhotoBlog" is in the works, and shall be available to the public likely later today. I know you're on the edge of your seat.