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Me and my dog
Me and dog Lucky pose for a last foto Finally the day is here. The day of the sudden departure -- the day of the long-awaited arrival!
As I mentioned in my earlier post the time doesn't seam to pass by first. Since I received the letter from the Kentucky Consular Office in June 2005 and knew that I soon will leave Switzerland I waited a long time until I could start to count the days or even the hours. I began to count the days only 5 days before the departure. On the second last day I switched to hours - 36, 28, 18, 12 hours. This morning I stopped to count the hours but I didn't counted minutes instead. First of all because I was rather busy.
The last couple days I was at my father's place. I decided to get up early and have a long walk with my dog. Not that I expected him to be exhausted or to tired to realize anything of the flight. But I think I just owed him some more final minutes in his usual environment. It will be a change for him for sure. There won't be any forest like he's used to - gives me a smile,
Last tears
My last tears (not really my last one) also no more deer for him to freak out, I guess. (But how much I was wrong here I will find out very soon). Maybe some woods and fields but I was specially prepared to find only some suburbs or neighborhoods in the first few days where he could do his business in some front yards. I knew there are a lot of green spaces around malls and similar areas though, but I assume that this will not make much of a difference for him. When we came back I had to pack my last few things into my three suitcases and one hand luggage. And I also wanted to take a shower and shave - you'll never who takes the seat next to you in a plane. Then I had to park my car with Reto, one of my best friends, so the new owner can pick it up there. Of course, move all luggage into his car. Because this was next to my mother's house I was able to give my mom a final hug and waved her good-bye. Gosh, I don't know when I will see her again. Before I was at my father's, I was staying
cu l8r
See you later my little friend in Texas with her some final days as well and I think we had the best times and good talks ever in this short period.
Another thing was the problem I encountered the day before. To receive the money from my life insurance I had to send a document to prove that I am single. Because this insurance is also a pension plan a spouse would be entitled for half the amount. So I had to go to the residents office once more to receive a official document to show that I'm legally single. This is not a problem but you simply don't want this just hours before you leave, though. After the letter was in the mailbox we drove off to the airport. I began to relax - I was ready.
Despite the noise it is always a good thing when you live close to the airport, specially in a case like this. You don't have to worry about traffic jam. It was only a 5 minute drive. Jockey the luggage and the dog kennel and find the check-in desk took more time. Two friends of mine, Peter and Anita are already waiting for us - surprise, surprise. My
Final foto
The point of no return. Good-bye Switzerland! father and his wife arrive only minutes later. Check-in after all worries is not a problem at all! I was a little bit afraid about the dog because nobody could give me precise information what is really required. We have even time for a very little final walk with Lucky before I have to send him into the kennel and give him a few last words. I have no bad feelings really because he's such a fine dog. Sure he will be scared, don't know what's going on and of course miss me. But he's not the first dog going through this, though! I have trust in the airline and the personal on the ground that everything will be OK and he will be treated as best as they can.
Now comes the hardest part - say good-bye to the people who will see me going through customs. Some final photos, the last few hugs, ultimate nice words - and of course some more tears. Tears, one eye full of joy and the other one of sadness. Behind the separating window I turn around wave a final good-bye but don't see much through my watery eyes. I don't know if someone saw me turn around. The travel to the dock is filled with silent thoughts. Thoughts of what I have left and thoughts of what the future will bring.
I have a window seat in the rear left of the plane. On the airfield I see the conveyor belt for the luggage and some trollies. One trolley has a cover and a lady on the field takes a glance into the trolley from time to time. I wonder, no I'm sure there is the dog kennel with Lucky in it. Then they remove the cover and I can see the kennel. My heart nearly explodes and tears fill my eyes, again. I feel so sorry for him, poor little Lucky! The woman in front of me also notices the dog and she tells her friend! I cannot resist and tell them that this is my dog. I just have to share my feelings with someone. Later they introduce themselves as Rhonda and Holland from Fort Worth,TX. Guess, I just met my first friends in Texas! Unfortunately there is a little delay until we can take off. But when the engines start to sound and the plane is gaining speed everything I was, everything I had is just staying there on the ground where the plane took of. Literally speaking!
PS: Pictures with thanks to my Dad!
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