September 1st, 2013

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Sunday September 1. The “Blue Peter” is hoisted.

Sunday, September 1st, 2013

 

“P” for partir, the traditional signal flag to signal the ship’s departure. Partir c’est vraiment mourir un peu. (French expression : leaving is somewhat like dying). Yesterday afternoon friends and family came to say their “bon voyage” at my departure party. The reality of what I am leaving behind will only start to sink in when the Dutch coastline disappears from my sight. I plan to write these impressions later here for you.

Under the signal flag flies my new club burgee presented to me at the party. Eighteen relatives made it to the gathering and many of the old and new friends I met here in the four year’s Europe visit plus club members.

I still have chores to do this week and expect to leave here the end of the week.