Week 21 - Personal

One word for this week; Awful. The full week was mostly filled with goodbyes and tears as everything was coming to an end and even as I sit here at home in Northern Ireland I miss Erasmus so much beyond belief. Anyway, the week was filled mostly with endless nights of parties, talking and having fun so that we all together could make the most of our remaining time. To be honest it was probably one of the best weeks of Erasmus that I will remember as everything was chilled out and relaxed and really everyone just didn’t want to have to say the dreaded word of ‘goodbye’.

We had our closing ceremony on Wednesday and it was hard to describe for me. I was happy in a way as

Farewell Dinner Party

everyone got to see how everyone felt about each other by us all having to present certificates to one other member of the group. Also, each country made a presentation about their time in The Netherlands and this was awesome to see how everyone depicted their experience differently but the main thing was friends and fun. As I sat and looked at each presentation it really was like my life flashing before my eyes as the past five months have seemed to have disappeared right in front of me. This then made me feel sad as I then realised goodbyes would be said soon.

Me and my right hand man, Mikael

We also had a party where we had all made a dish from our own country and brought it with us… to also add an advantage to this was that the bar was free so we all made good use of that! Haha! That night we attended a birthday party but then we all sat had drinks and chatted with the people who we had got closest too. That night we also had to say goodbye to the Irish girls but I knew it was okay as we would see each other more often than the others but still it was hard to say bye... Thursday came too quick and I had to say goodbye to one of my closest mates Mikael. One of the hardest goodbyes but I know we will see each other anyway as we plan to travel together next year. Thursday seemed a bit like a blur as we packed up our stuff; squeezing and stuffing clothes into the tiniest places just so they would fit in. It also felt weird not hearing from Mikael that day and it made me realise how sad the end of Erasmus was. This was further proven that night as the remaining people met and chatted together but even at that, the place was quiet including me as I was missing my right hand man who I would normally mess about with. The room would be full of laughs one minute but then an eerie silence would follow after. Everyone was feeling the same… not wanting to go home.

As Friday came I had to another difficult goodbye to say to my wee American ‘bronze beauty’ as she likes

Beth the Bronze Beauty

to name herself, Beth. Again a tear was shed but I will see her again when I travel to America or vice versa. We then made our way back home and landed safely in Belfast where I was met by my family and it was just great to see them.

Erasmus was truly amazing and I will never ever forget it or the people. Now as I sit and write my final post I think of all the memories and I miss everyone like crazy. There are no words to describe how you feel when you are at home for a few days. Happiness to see your family and friends but then depressed and sad at the fact you aren’t going back or seeing your Erasmus friends for a while.

As I think of words to finish of this wonderful experience my top tip for this week is enjoy every last month, week, day, hour, minute and second of Erasmus as it finishes so quickly and on a final note…

Erasmus 2013... I love and miss you.

Erasmus was the most amazing thing that I have ever done in my life.