Time is winding down

  Well, there's three weeks left in Romania. At this time

in the Peace Corps service it is very bittersweet. 

  I'll be leaving new friends behind and in my case, going 

on to meet new friends in another country. It is at this time

that I usually take time to sit with the people

that have been a big part of my life over the past two and

half years.

  There are also surprises right to the end. One in case 

happened just this morning. 

  When I arrived I would go faithfully to this one coffee shop.

I stopped going there about a year ago because the people 

predominately spoke in the Slovakian language (which I 

haven't learned) ... so I would just sit there while people would

have their conversations. The people knew that I couldn't 

understand and I felt (it was pretty obvious) that they didn't

want me to participate in their conversation.

  So, I decided, what ta heck, there are other coffee shops. So

I tried out a couple until finally deciding on one where the people

would speak to me in Romanian. 

  To me, this wasn't a problem at all. If people want to communicate

... good ... if not ... good. 

  This morning on a whim I decided to go to the coffee shop that I used

go to. While I was there I saw the usual group. One of the friendlier 

guys asked me how long I had left and I told him ... two weeks left

in town. So, we started making a conversation while the other 

people were there and somehow in the conversation it came to 

the point that ... I mentioned that all I ever wanted and tried to do 

here was to be open and friendly. 

  The craziest thing happened after that ... everyone spoke in Romanian.

They spoke in Romanian about all topics. I was kind of surprised 

because for two years they spoke Slovakian only when I was around.

  I know that it is the end here but ending with a gesture like that 

makes me feel good. It isn't a big deal, but I like leaving on a high

note.

 I am feeling that Namibia should be better than them all.
I think that all the experiences and things that I've learned
and take with me will make my time there ... the best yet. 

  But, despite the tendency to look ahead I still have the feeling

of leaving some friends behind. But I am happy to have the melancholy 

that comes from it because to feel that way I have had to have made

some connections. 

  Thank goodness to the internet and technology we will stay in touch.

  But, it is about time to close the curtain on Romania. 

  It has been a good time.