The Last…
Our short, happy, not-entirely-sustainable time in New York is coming to an end.
It is hard to believe that our round-the-world trip ended in late April, and that eight months have passed since the “ragged re-entry.” The last four months, in particular, have been so pleasant and stable and fun, that the time flew past us. Now, suddenly, we are in the midst of several “lasts” before we move to South Africa at the end of the month.
Zola had his last soccer game a few weekends ago, not long after I had my last day of work. The weekend after Thanksgiving was our last trip to the Beaverkill. Last Saturday night we had a chance to say goodbye to many of our Beaverkill friends at a party in the city.
Last Saturday, we all attended Tallulah’s last dance class at Alvin Ailey. On Wednesday of this past week, Tallulah had her last “Flip and Twirl” class at Chelsea Piers. On the same day, Zola had his last “Stunts and Skills” class.
We have been seeing many friends for “the last time”. Because w have moved to Cape Town twice before, and this is the fourth time we have lived in New York, these encounters generally feel more like “au revoir” than “goodbye”. That said, I have been meeting people so frequently for drinks at the Minetta Tavern that the bartenders laugh when I walk in.
On Thursday, Tallulah had her last day at the Blue School. It has been a truly and deeply wonderful first school experience for Tallulah, filling her with joy, and confidence, and love for learning. The Blue School is doing many things right. Her class had a little party for her, and we had a chance to say goodbye to her teachers and classmates and their parents.
Friday was Zola’s last day at PS 3. In the morning he had his last performance in front of the school (a concert), after two earlier dance performances. PS 3 has been great for encouraging Zola to take joy in performing. India and I arranged for the class to have a skating field trip to Bryant Park after the concert. It was nice to see how happy and comfortable Zola has become with his PS 3 classmates. We can only hope that he adapts to school in South Africa as readily.
This weekend, we are hosting our last houseguests. India’s sister, and our brother-in-law, and our two nieces have come up from Nashville. Cousin love abounds for Zola and Tallulah. Tomorrow night I will have my last hockey game.
Finally, this evening I shoveled off of the walk in front of the house for the (first and) last time. We are getting buried here. South Africa looks better by the minute.
It has been a fun eight months in New York City. We are ready to move on to our more permanent life in Cape Town.