He’s Outta Here
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Yesterday, Joe and Robby were here to see Matt off, and Joe said something like, “Have fun in Europe.†That’s when it sunk-in for me, and, I believe, for Matt because on the drive to airport he kept saying, “I’m going to wake up in a foreign country?†(The blessings of an exam tired youth meant sleep on the plane). How had we taken this trip so casually? Because it’s not Nicaragua? Because he has already flown (take a guess at the number *) since he was born?
We arrived at the airport early and after a steak and cheese sandwich and an IBC root beer Matt said, “I’m going.â€
“But you don’t have to go through security for forty minutes. Your plane doesn’t leave for an hour and a half.†I tried to hold him back.
“I’m going.â€
“No you’re not. You’re staying with us for another forty minutes.â€
Two hugs later and he was a mere ghost passing through security.
Godspeed, my son, and don’t forget to visit Dash.
(*35. I boarded my first plane at twenty-one)
Travel is independence, however dependent one might be for the means to do so, and it’s never too soon for the youthful traveler to begin a trip. For him it was probably an exciting kind of boredom to kick about in the gate area or wander the concourse alone. Short trip, anyway.
Do you mean 35 flights total, or 35 solo (or at least parentless) boardings? If the former, how many of the latter?
Bon voyage, Matt!!!
Comment by adam — June 23, 2005 @ 7:04 am
It was hard enough to arrive at a semi-accurate total. Don’t make me break them down any further. But 35 without parents? He is only seventeen.
Comment by michael — June 23, 2005 @ 7:15 am
You really are in denial. Seventeen? Perhaps, but in three weeks – EIGHTEEN!
Comment by shinydome — June 23, 2005 @ 9:14 am
Seventeen, and going to Europe solo–that’s something to awe many folks. The first time I went to Europe I was 26. It was solo, but I was met by a friend. Does Matt have anyone to meet?
Even after 18 trips across the pond, I get kinda nervous going into an airport where all the signs are in foreign languages, and I can’t pick up any sounds of English. But Matt’s language skills are up to the task, I’m sure.
Katie loved Barcelona, and I’m sure Matt will too.
Buen viaje, bon voyage & gute reise, Matt!
Comment by rakkity — June 23, 2005 @ 10:11 am
I swim in denial, I bath in denial and I paddle on denial. When I’m not in denial I’m floating peacefully on one of its main tributaries, da’coma.
Tonight, Matt joins up with his high school friend Celeste who has been studying this junior year in France. They have hostel reservations for three days (I think) and then they’re on their own. She goes back to France on the 3rd of July(I think) and Matt returns here the 5th (I’m pretty sure).
Comment by michael — June 23, 2005 @ 12:21 pm
Well, so i arrived safely, found my way to the hostal and then decided to go to sleep.. good thing i did or i would have been worried about the fact that cel didnt show up until seven… good thing i was still sleeping when she knocked on the door. HORAH, in spain with cel. I can’t talk too much now, havnt eaten in… well not exactly sure, but i will give more detail into the traveling at another point in time. ANYWAY, i am here safe and sound and we have good hostal…
Much love to all the peeps and parents at home
talk to you soon
mateo
Comment by Guess who — June 23, 2005 @ 3:15 pm
Hey Matt, I hope you are having a great time!
Caroline
Comment by Caroline — June 23, 2005 @ 9:42 pm
and you forgot about the awesome clam chowder
Comment by matt — June 26, 2005 @ 12:38 pm