Despedida, Adios, Te veo despues, Tchau, Ciao, So Long, See You, Goodbye, Farewell, Cheers, Até amanhã, Adieu, Au Revoir, À bientôt, Arrivederci, Addio, Rămas bun, Auf Wiedersehen, Bis dann, Tschüss, Tschau, Tot ziens, Daag, Doei, Farvel, Hej hej, probably followed by many scores more, if you’re at the United Nations. All greetings used when we’re about to part company.
When one goes off to work in the morning, (most) members of the family will say “goodbye” in some or other fashion, frequently an unconscious routine. When we go off on a trip for the day or even longer, the greeting will be more pronounced, generally a bit longer in duration as well.
But when one leaves on a life-changing journey, probably not to return for an extended period of time, how is the greeting performed? The jury is really out on this one, with no general consensus – it looks as if it’s a “play it by ear” event.
Jeanette and I (well, mostly Jeanette) have been saying goodbye to friends and acquaintances in all sorts of places. Amid many tears, there have been promises of “Don’t worry, I’ll call you regularly,” or “We’ll keep in touch by email,” or “I’ve got your Skype address, we’ll talk often.”
Girls tend to get cards on such occasions as well. I don’t.
I’ve looked at one she received this morning. I am concerned. A bunch of bubbled-up teddies saying farewell, with no glum tear-filled eyes in sight - they seem pretty darned happy to see us going!! Thank you, anyway. It’s a lonely place 33,000 ft above the earth, so it’s good to know that those who’ve remained behind might at least be enjoying a glass or two of bubbly.
Thank you to everyone who has expressed their best wishes. They are appreciated.
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