Like all good stories, it’s time for the story of my time in Melbourne to end. This week is my last full week here and while I wish I could slow down time, I’m sure this week will be over before I know it. I think I’ll save my closing thoughts on this co-op for when I return to the US, but there is something I’d like to say before I go. I’d like to say it a couple of times, because there are a number of people from here in Melbourne I’d like to thank for making Melbourne feel like home these last six months.
Mia, I’ll start with you. You have literally made Melbourne feel like home these last six months. I don’t think I could’ve asked for a better homestay host. I will certainly miss your cooking back at Uni and I can’t thank you enough for introducing me to all of your amazing friends who helped make this an adventure I’ll never forget. I wish you the very best of luck with your business and all of your future endeavors.
To Liam, who I think qualifies as the first person I knew in Melbourne: It was awesome getting to finally meet you in person after, what was it, five years online? The controlled chaos you call a “Pokémon Tournament” was a ton of fun. Best of luck with your future tournaments and in Uni (and the future in general of course).
To Sarah, it was a pleasure getting to meet you through Liam. He’s a fine bloke and I hope the two of you continue to be happy. The best of luck to you and your acting future. If you ever need to practice your American English, feel free to give me a ring.
To Matt, I believe you qualify as the first person I met on the tram. It’s too bad that first ride wasn’t flawless, but it certainly lead to many others, didn’t it? Thank you for showing me the Hawthorn Tram Depot; those two trips were legendary. Almost as legendary as that goods lift. If you ever make it to the US, drop me a line and I’ll be sure to give you the grand tour of Philly (or wherever I may be!) Best of luck with your time at Metro and your schoolings.
To Alex, I think you were the first tram driver I knew by name and likely the one I logged the most hours with. Those tram journeys were ones for the record books, especially the one to Kew. Best of luck to you back at Uni. I don’t think I’ll ever forget “Sink like a passenger(R)”.
To Brenden, you also taught me more about trams than I would’ve ever thought I’d learn. I can honestly say I’ll never be able to look at one the same way again (even if we do call them trolleys in Philly). Thank you for the knowledge, enjoyable rides, and the DVDs to take back home. I’ll have to send you some of the trams and trains back home now. Best of luck to you wherever the future may take you.
To Sherlyn, it was a pleasure meeting you. I think you may well be the owner of the most unique house I’ve ever seen. Your parties were excellent, and I definitely won’t forget them. The best of luck to you in the future.
To John, it was a pleasure meeting you as well. Your parties were also excellent, and I won’t forget them as well. The best of luck to you too.
To Amanda, thank you for the invites to the truly awesome events. I wish you the best of luck with your future ones and I’m sure they’ll be ones event-goers will remember.
To Kye, thank you for inviting me for New Years. I don’t think I could’ve asked for a better way to start the new year. The best of luck to you wherever the future may take you.
To the entire City of Melbourne, it’s not hard to see why you are the most livable city in the world. Your weather may have been the wackiest I’ve ever seen (and that’s going to make Weather II all the more fun at Uni), but your tram network certainly can’t be beat, and your libraries are the best I’ve ever had access to. The were endless things I got to do here I was never able to do before and I have no intentions of forgetting them. I wouldn’t mind coming back, and if I’m lucky enough to do so, I hope you’ll be just as welcoming as you were for these past six months.
And so, to the entire City of Melbourne, thank you.
