Ahoj, but only for now
8 August, 2006. 4.35pm. Trnava, Slovakia.
It's hard to believe, but my time in Trnava is fast coming to an end. I'm scheduled to fly back to Canada on Thursday, 10 August. When I initially arrived in Slovakia on 25 November of last year, I expected I'd stay here for a full year. But the truth is, the duty of my doctoral studies in Canada calls, and it's about time I finish my life as a "student" and move on. The last month here has been relatively uneventful. I took some short day-trips but sadly had to cancel my trip to eastern Slovakia and Ukraine last week. It's just as well, perhaps, since it's been cold and rainy now for almost a week straight in central Europe. I've kept myself busy these last weeks doing some editing of translated songs and poems by a local artist/friend. It being the holiday season in Slovakia, a good many of my friends from Trnava and elsewhere have been away these last few weeks, so sadly I will be leaving without saying "goodbye" to many. But I know in my heart I will be back. It's not a matter of if, but a matter of when.
Although the last eight months have been a roller coaster ride at times, I can honestly say that the vast majority of my time here has been positive and I don't for one second regret my decision to come here. I have learned a lot about this country, its peoples, and culture, and even a little bit of the language. And I've also been lucky enough to strengthen old friendships and forge many new ones. So, to my Slovak friends I say "Ahoj!" which can be used as a greeting or a form of goodbye. I will be back. Ďakujem.
And to my Canadian friends, I'm looking forward to seeing you soon. I can't say where I'll end up in Canada, at the moment, but rest assurred you will be able to find me in southwestern Ontario or Saskatoon in the weeks to come... Ahoj.
It's hard to believe, but my time in Trnava is fast coming to an end. I'm scheduled to fly back to Canada on Thursday, 10 August. When I initially arrived in Slovakia on 25 November of last year, I expected I'd stay here for a full year. But the truth is, the duty of my doctoral studies in Canada calls, and it's about time I finish my life as a "student" and move on. The last month here has been relatively uneventful. I took some short day-trips but sadly had to cancel my trip to eastern Slovakia and Ukraine last week. It's just as well, perhaps, since it's been cold and rainy now for almost a week straight in central Europe. I've kept myself busy these last weeks doing some editing of translated songs and poems by a local artist/friend. It being the holiday season in Slovakia, a good many of my friends from Trnava and elsewhere have been away these last few weeks, so sadly I will be leaving without saying "goodbye" to many. But I know in my heart I will be back. It's not a matter of if, but a matter of when.
Although the last eight months have been a roller coaster ride at times, I can honestly say that the vast majority of my time here has been positive and I don't for one second regret my decision to come here. I have learned a lot about this country, its peoples, and culture, and even a little bit of the language. And I've also been lucky enough to strengthen old friendships and forge many new ones. So, to my Slovak friends I say "Ahoj!" which can be used as a greeting or a form of goodbye. I will be back. Ďakujem.
And to my Canadian friends, I'm looking forward to seeing you soon. I can't say where I'll end up in Canada, at the moment, but rest assurred you will be able to find me in southwestern Ontario or Saskatoon in the weeks to come... Ahoj.
posted by BFRE at 4:38 p.m.
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