Chapter 116: Farewell to France

nerd blog post #125

It has been exactly one year since I arrived in France, and I leave tonight. I can't believe it's gone by so quickly and that I'm actually leaving. I have no idea when I'll be back or if I'll ever spend so long here again, and it's a sad goodbye I'm saying to a place I really love.

The last few days here were hectic, but very good. I worked a lot at Rose Bakery and the pub, and enjoyed the busy lifestyle of hopping from one to the other, utterly exhausted but happy for the work.

My last shift at the pub was Saturday night, and I was so surprised that most of the staff came by to wish me well. They bought me shots and Taylor gave me a big bag of baked goods - cookies, brownies, banana bread.. I didn't know what to even do with it all so I've been sharing! It was amazing to have them all there, and it wasn't really until then that I felt as though I had made a wee mark at that place and was appreciated. The owner also came down and thanked me for my time and gave me a small cash bonus. He said there will always be a job for me there. It was nice to hear. So the last shift was a bit of a sad one.

Sunday I worked the last shift at Rose Bakery. As I'd only been there for six shifts, there was obviously no party for me. But it was still good, and I got Gel a job there so she worked her first shift. It was fun working with her.

On Sunday night I went out with Gel and her roomies. They are such nice French peeps and it has been a pleasure getting to spend time with them this Summer. One of them is moving to Montreal in January and will come and visit Toronto in February, which is great. We went to a mojito bar in Montmartre and I had the best mojitos I've ever had! The couple who owns the place are super nice and from Madagascar, and I wish I'd been there before. I said a sad goodbye to the roommates at the end of the night.

Yesterday, I went to the Musee d'Orsay since I hadn't yet been. I also did some packing and cleaning and getting ready. I felt pretty bummed out all day. I will miss this city a lot. It's different than when I left Toronto because there was no doubt in my mind that I'd be there again, and live there again. But I might never live in Paris again, and it will never be like it was for me this year.

I went to the pub around 9pm to meet Gel. When I arrived, there was a whole slew of friends there to surprise me on my last night. I was shocked! I had chicken wings and beer and a really great time. I will miss more than just the clowns. I have a great group of people at the pub and beyond that were so great to me this Summer, and were ready to send me off with all of their best wishes. I said goodbyes and rode bikes home with Gel.

Today, I move out of my room and then will have the afternoon to do last minute things. I'll also meet Gel and Taylor for a coffee and say goodbye to them. A friend of Raffi and Viktor's who works at the bakery offered to help me with my bags. Remembering the struggles of a year ago, and knowing Raffi can't meet me in London, I accepted. So I'll leave the same way I came, from the Paris Gare du Nord station to London St Pancras.

What a year it has been! I don't really have the perspective to write anything thoughtful. All I know is that I'm very sorry to leave and will miss so much about this land.

With love,
Hincks.