Day 72: Goodbye (for now)

Today, the last day of 2012's Baltic International Summer School, was a very emotional day indeed. There was relief, laughter, excitement, exhaustion, pride and nostalgia. Some even shed a few tears. But before I get on to that, I want to quickly mention something rather remarkable. As you may or may not know, Latvian Olympian Maris Strombergs won the gold medal in men's BMX riding. And what's more, he's from Valmiera!

Strombergs leading the pack!

Soon after I heard the great news, this fantastic news report was sent to me: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-19218980 

72-year-old Latvian Leontis Romanovskis decided to cycle to London, claiming to have cycled across most of Europe. I suppose that's one way of celebrating an Olympic gold for your country. Perhaps I could cycle to England as well - it will only take me, ah I dunno, a few hundred days... I'd have to lose some baggage though.

Staying true to his nation's talent.

So back to today! The day began with the students presenting their final assignments to be assessed and graded. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it to watch - I blame my bed - but I was there in spirit! I arrived at the university just as they had finished and it was great to see beaming smiles on all of their faces, definitely smiles of relief.

We were given group numbers to each create a sketch to summarise our experience of BISS and present it at the closing ceremony later on. After lunch, we had a couple of hours to prepare - but it literally took us 10 minutes. I think my group members just wanted to go home and sleep and, to be honest, I don't blame 'em! We just had to trust that everything was going be be okay and if we did make a fool of ourselves (which was very likely to happen) at least it would make people laugh.

Time crept up on us and it was time to walk/get a taxi to the local hotel where the closing ceremony was being held. When we arrived, I could already see some people's eyes welling up. The closing ceremony commenced... The speeches started, the certificate-giving was underway and the wine was slowly disappearing. Not expecting to receive anything myself as a "special" participant, suddenly my name was called to go up and I received my own certificate and goody bag. That put a big smile on my face!

The sketches were hilarious. Thank goodness most groups were underprepared too! My group, Group 6, wanted to create a short role play combining each of our best memories of BISS.

The best birthday surprise ever!

And, of course, the night life.

We went from laughing at the hilarious sketches to borderline crying when the lights were dimmed and one of the students from Greece beautifully performed Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You". That one always gets to me!

We continued the rest of our night with food (a lot of it!), more laughter and emotional goodbyes. I'm sure we will see each other someday somehow but we have plenty of amazing memories to keep us going until then. Talking of memories, we were each given a "memory book" where other participants could sign and write a farewell message and all about the good times. I managed to get every single participant to sign mine and, although I've read them all, I will read them again when I'm on the plane to go back home on Saturday and try not to cry.

We had to let the night go out with a bang and experience Valmiera's nightlife once more! Well, the ones that didn't have to wake up at 6am to go to the airport.

Two weeks we will never forget.

I feel so fortunate to have been able to join the summer school, meet such amazing people, expand my knowledge of tourism with lecturers from around the world, share my culture and embrace others and create even more international friendships. My list of countries to next visit is just getting longer and longer... I think I feel a BISS 2012 reunion coming on!

Photos courtesy of BISS