A day for memory lane, Friday (the last day), I think will
be a day that none of us will forget easily. I guess I’m being sentimental but
it started like this. Waking up at 7 or so we got ready for the Pitt versus UEF
basketball and soccer game. A day hot beyond belief it was a huge struggle to
play but play we did. All of us played in both games and both were honestly a
ton of fun. UEF’s basketball team was really good but we tied it up with a win
in soccer. I don’t think I’ve ever had that much fun being as sweaty as I was
in a long time. After an eventful bus ride where everyone was in high spirits
(a lot of singing was involved) we stopped by at a noodle restaurant that was
not a good idea considering how overheated all of us was. However we all still
managed to have a good time anyways passed out and asleep for the most part.
| Good morning Saigon |
Finally getting back to the hotel, some of us went swimming
in the pool while others rested up and packed like I did. At around 3 I went
out with a friend from UEF to hang out again. Getting back at 4:30 we got ready
for the formal farewell dinner. Going to the event in formal wear and then
seeing everyone in the lobby made the whole thing feel heavily like prom. Many
pictures were taken which enhanced the feeling of the night as being a night to
remember.
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Arriving at our destination still dressed up extremely nicely, we got
onto a boat, yes a boat, and had a banquet style dinner. Everyone got along
really well and had a ton of fun. I would describe the atmosphere as being very
scenic with college kids just enjoying their last day abroad. The river was
very beautiful and it just felt like a great time to be alive.
| Flower carrot |
| Alex the man |
However, just
like any occasion, it isn't all sunshine and rainbows like the pictures will
make you think. The event itself was around 3 to 4 hours long and after the day
before I've never felt so exhausted before. At around 9 I was starting to crash
really hard and I couldn't bail like I normally would if I were back home. Also
we were on a boat so that wasn't really an option. Everyone else was still
enjoying themselves immensely but I felt like crap. This caused a metric ton of
problems when I was supposed to be alert and on top of things when I wasn't. As
a very sentimental occasion, this caused a lot of friction between me and some
other people. The bus ride back was joyous for everyone else but I couldn't
have felt worse.
Getting back at 10 or so we had about 4 hours just to
prepare going back home. After packing I got to spend some time with people
I’ll be leaving behind in Vietnam. When 2 am finally arrived it was a pretty
sad time all around. Kate, our tour guide and amazing Vietnamese friend, was
going to be left behind and that was pretty awful. I had an indescribably hard time leaving behind a
special someone I met over those two weeks. If I had to put it into words I felt
really empty.
| this city |
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