Comments on: Finishing the Class: Erasmus equals great friendships perpetually paused

By: Alby

Alby — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 09:37:57 +0000

I know exactly what you mean, Patrick, and it is hard. In fact, it happens to me every year! Every time somebody goes back to his/her country, or they graduate and return to their hometowns, I’ve got this feeling of personal bereavement, and I feel a bit stuck in Leeds…

But over the last few months I’ve also learnt that there’s a special thrill in looking forward to a reunion, and in giving somebody a big, big hug after a long separation. And there’s joy in feeling that, no matter how far people go, you can always anticipate a perfect day in the future when you’ll see them again and you’ll feel your life is much more whole and coherent than you thought it was.

People come and go, and friendships go strong or wane… that is something that everybody has to live with. But the best people always remain. AND don’t forget there are more wonderful people to meet in the future!

By: Ken

Ken — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 02:47:05 +0000

C’est la vie.

By: Ant

Ant — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 21:12:04 +0000

Well, if it’s any small consolation Patrick your non-international friends are glad that you’re coming back to us! Even if it means I still wont get to see much of you next year on account of, well y’know, my being out of the country instead of you but hey, the sentiment’s there!

By: caroline

caroline — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 22:24:50 +0000

Strong friendships CAN last Patrick – you just have to work at them. real friends are the ones you don’t see for years at a time – ‘cos they may well live abroad – but when you DO see them, it’s as if you last saw them a few weeks ago. The friends you made in Bruxelles are wonderful people, and I am sure they will make reciprocate your effort to keep in touch. Enjoy these last few weeks… x