Saying goodbye is always hard especially for me. There are no words to describe how much this experience in Brisbane has meant to me. I love Australia but it’s not so much that I’m sad to leave the country itself, I’m sad to leave my friends behind. Although I have only known them for four months I feel like I’ve known them forever. I am so thankful to have met such wonderful people here studying abroad in Australia from all continents except Africa (and of course Antarctica). I just wanted to give a special thanks to some of you, in no particular order, all of you are special to me.
Miska: My dear Czech sister I love you so much and I’m so glad that you are my friend. I loved the beginning of our friendship at the toilet party where you thought I didn’t know where the Czech Republic was but I just didn’t understand you. Keep taking pictures and remember THE. You have really made my time here in Brisbane special.
Iga: You crazy Polish girl, my time is never boring when spent in your presence. I hope I never get duck flu or have to curl my tongue in my mouth when I’m sleeping because it’s too big for my mouth. Remember to smile, but the Iga face is always good for a good laugh. And don’t go too crazy in China without me.
Ellen: The cool Dutch girl. Too bad you didn’t find us before the camping trip but we’ve had lots of good times since then. I’m so glad Operation Ellen was a success and you had a fabulous birthday. And I’m sorry that I tell you the same story multiple times but I guess it shows that you’re listening. I’m glad you enjoyed sleeping on my couch more than your own house. I’ll miss you like crazy.
Bartek: I hope someday that I can pass Scarlett Johansson and become your favorite American girl. Regardless, you are still my favorite Polish guy and I have enjoyed all of my time spent with you beginning with the toilet party where I was able to guess on the first try that you were from Poland. See not all Americans are as dumb as people think they are. I will miss you Glass Breaker and your Just Juice.
Jihane: My 21st birthday was the best birthday of my life and all thanks to you. Sometimes I do believe that everything happens for a reason, why else would you and Sarah randomly picked to be in our room at the hostel at Byron Bay. Girl’s nights were the best and you are one of the most considerate and unselfish person I have ever met. Don’t forget about your Clarita.
Marketa: Oh Marketko, such good times in MARS even though that final exam was unspeakable. We met at Byron bay and then I had a friend to sit next to during class. Collecting hermit crabs in the dark in the rain was 10x better since you were there. I loved baking you and Miska the cake! You are so sweet and that’s why everyone loves you. Love, Klarka.
Hynek: So much fun at the AFL game, thank you so much for organizing it! Hopefully someday I’ll be able to actually read the Czech you wrote on my flag without google translator. ;)
Marjie: Never become somebody that I used to know. Lucky for me you live in the neighboring state so I will see you more often than the others. An experience of a lifetime in N-Zed. I’m so glad you went with me and that we were able to complete the alpine crossing. And family dinners, just remember that princes go to Princeton.
Bruno: I don’t know how I’ll survive without your massages! No one can ever be as good as you. Good times at the RE and you are such a gentleman for helping Miska down the mountain during the camping trip. I’ll miss you you French masseus!
Soroush: So guys, no wait guys. So, uh, um…ok let’s get to the point. ;) I’m glad I got to know you even though you have terrible jokes and you pushed me into the pool on my birthday when we first met. But seriously, don’t ever shave. And don’t forget your exchange students next semester.
Verczka: Aren’t you glad I thought of that nickname for you? Now you can think of it and think of me. Contemporary Australia. Enough said. But really don’t get duck flu and please please please come visit me and I desperately want to go to Prague! Love you Verczko! =)
Oskar: Ok, so what are you, Polish or German? But maybe I can find somewhere deep in my heart to forgive you and your…antics. And the fact that you didn’t give me a proper goodbye, but I will still miss you. Look me up when you come to New England next year.
Birgit: Lots of fun at the AFL game with you and especially studying in our favorite spot in the Michie building. So smart for dropping MARS after the field trips! I hope by the time you get home your brother hasn’t killed all of your plants.
Ania: If it weren’t for you I would’ve never indulged in Mexican food in my time in Australia. All I want for Christmas is you and possibly some tim tams. All the best and see you in the US. =)
Axel: Because of you, closing your eyes in pictures will forever be “Norwegian Syndrome” to me. And maybe someday I will have to learn a proper greeting in Norwegian because I don’t think all of you would take too kindly to my present greeting. I forgive you for losing my necklace and you made up for it by taking all of my stuff for me as I struggled up the pyramid at Girraween. Just don’t lose any more necklaces. ;)
Erlend: You are the first Norwegian I met. Too bad you caught Norwegian Syndrome from Axel when a camera is around. Good times at Moreton Island and stay warm when you go back to cold northern Europe (I’m only joking, I know it’s summer).
Joha: Thanks for the lava lamp, my friend. Even though MARS was terrible, I was so glad to get to know you on the Heron trip. Also, thanks for always having a beer just for me. ;)
Lucie: Here comes the sun doo doo doo doo here comes the sun and I say its allright. I will always think of you when I hear this song. Thanks for always watching out for me and being my “Australian mum”. I’ll make sure to try the cheesecake recipe when I get back home, but I’m sure it won’t come out as good as yours. I’ll have to come to the Czech Republic so you can make it for me.
Jess: Thanks for being my first friend in Australia. You were there for me when I really needed a friend. Great times in Melbourne and waiting for the last penguin to come back onto land at Phillip Island. Our crazy tour guide Damon on the Great Ocean Road. See you soon!
Greer: Too bad you never went on the same MARS field trips with me but it was so nice to get to know you and your couch…Anyways, we’ll definitely stay in touch and you are welcome to come visit me whenever. At UConn too of course!
Marissa: Maybe I can still be your friend even though you go to Syracuse. Thanks for being my snorkelling buddy during the boat snorkel at Heron Island. I love that I’m in your video! You are awesome and I loved the times spent trying to find eachother at the RE.
Sarah: My favorite European Sarah. I’m so glad to have met you and so thankful that you were in our room at Byron Bay. It must’ve been fate. I’m sad that I didn’t get to see much of you after mid-semester break but I’ve always wanted to go to Paris. And it would be even better with a local tour guide. Miss you already!
Laure: I can’t thank you enough for letting me borrow your sleeping bag for the camping trip. While everyone else was freezing I had a nice warm comfortable sleeping bag. And I’m sorry about giving it back to you so late. I had a great time with you at Moreton Island. Enjoy the rest of your time in Australia.
Elisa: One of my favorite Americans. Yes, American because America includes North and South America. My favorite Brazilian, I’m so glad we got the same project together at Heron Island. Too bad I was sick and you had to do all the work. Thanks! I’m so jealous that you get to have a whole extra semester in Australia. Live it up! =)
Vojta: Maybe I should just say see you! Would that be more appropriate, it would be coming from you. Thanks for having the coolest house, way better than mine. And so smart for dropping Contemporary Australia. Have an awesome time in Cairns, my Czech friend.
Pooya: I loved all of our conversations in the library but too bad we didn’t see more of eachother. The toilet party (aka QUEST BBQ) was lovely and still brings a smile to my face. And reminiscing about glass breaker, my personal translator during the movie. I’ll miss you!
Matthieu: I remember meeting you and Bartek at the toilet party and I know it’s really cliche to say but it changed my life forever, or at least my time in Australia. You are an awesome French guy and I’ll miss you so much! I’ll always remember the pillow you saved from the trash.
Sebastian Contreras Huerta: Are you sure you’re the same guy without your hair? I don’t know… I remember meeting you coming home on the citycat from the regatta. I hope I’m always your favorite Polish friend and we had some great times you crazy Chilean.
Claire: Thank you so much for showing us around Wellington. And the Ginger Lovers candy will never get old. I’m glad I got to meet you and eat our way around Wellington. Your country is awesome and you’re always welcome to come visit the USA.
Thereze: Moreton Island was awesome, and I have yours and Jihane’s dance recorded on my computer. So I can watch it and remember the good times. Thanks for giving me a real cup and not just my mug. And you’re a champ for being at that party the night before your exam.
Ken: Thanks for always stalking me in the library. Seriously, you’re everywhere! And for leading us home after the turban party. You are my favorite Singapore guy and don’t miss us too much next semester ;)
Joshie: Thanks to you I was convinced to swim in the ocean at night at Moreton Island. Thank goodness I didn’t get eaten by a shark. But you know I love Michigan people. And although my UConn teams may be bad next year, I might bring myself to cheer for yours.
Yama: I’m so sorry I didn’t get to meet up with you in Sydney! But I’m glad you were Vojta’s housemate so I got the chance to meet you. You are really a gentleman which is hard to find nowadays. Make sure you always stay that way =)
Zuzka: You make the best Czech dumplings and I am so happy that I was invited to your birthday party! I had a great time and always love being around my Czechs. Even though Contemporary Australia was boring, it was good because it gave me the opportunity to meet you.
Star: Thanks for putting up with me and my noisy friends. You really are a great housemate and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors and hope you get to stay in Australia or wherever else you want to go.
Benjie: Remember there’s a difference between “home” and “ome”. I’m only joking, your accent is very easy to understand. Enjoy the rest of your time in Australia. Thanks for all the great times at the RE and what not. You are a great French guy and I will never forget you.
Petra: You were the last of the Czechs (except for Lenka) that I met but that doesn’t mean you’re any less important than the rest. Prague is now my number one city to visit in Europe and I hope you and your bike got home safely.
Sebastian Andres Sarquis: Sorry for spelling out your entire name but I had to distinguish between Sebastians. I’m not going to talk about the final exam for MARS but Heron Island really was paradise. You know I love my South Americans too, not just my Europeans. Love, Clarita.
Charly: The “Hotel California” will always remind me of you and the camping trip because that was apparently the only song anyone ever wanted you to sing. But it was awesome how you filled the camping trip and Moreton Island with your music. Never stop playing the guitar and filling people’s lives with music.
QUEST Execs: My life in Australia would have been completely different if it weren’t for this organization. Joining QUEST was one of the best decisions of my life and I have made I’m sure of it life-long friendships because of all of you. Don’t forget about me, the girl who got to the boat party ticket sales three hours early. You guys are awesome and I’ve enjoyed my time with each and every one of you. =)
I’m sorry if I forgot about anyone but it’s getting late and I really should finish packing. Oops, this was more important. So don’t forget about me my friends and I will never forget you. This has been a once in a lifetime experience. I love you all! <3
