“There’s not a word yet, for old friends, who just met…”

I’ve never been a big fan of the Muppets.  The Sesame Street gang is fine, but the Muppet Show Muppets freak me out a bit. In college someone made me a mix tape (remember those?) with Gonzo’s song, “I’m Going to Go Back There Someday”.  A recent Muppets tribute album has a new recording of the song by Rachel Yamagata.

Eric and Jaclyn

It’s a sad, lovely, sentimental song, and it’s been skipping through my head for the past several days, particularly the line above. In some strange ways this month has reminded me a bit of college, just condensed into a much shorter span of time.  We spent the first day or two tentatively sorting everyone out, figuring out our place, finding folks to pal around with.  We moved and ate in large groups, much like freshmen, until we settled into smaller bands of friends with common interests.  And now we’re saying our goodbyes, too soon, it seems.  I’m taking with me some crazy in-jokes and silly photos and wonderful memories and offers of places to stay if I ever find myself in Germany or Australia.

René, Laura, Wolf and Lee

My journey home will begin tomorrow and take me through London, arriving home at long last on Sunday to see my husband and welcome some dear friends for a visit.  I’m sure the next few days of travel and transition will give me a chance to reflect and share more about what this time has meant.  But until then, I want to send mille mercis to the people who have made this month unforgettable.  In rough order of appearance: René, Laura, Jaclyn, Wolfgang, Karen, Sandy, Ian, Lee and Eric.  I don’t know if there’s a word in any language for the true affection I feel for these funny, creative, giving, and talented folks.

A plus!