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Off on Our Own Again...
Entry 13 of 13 | show all | print this entry |
Unless you've worked at a camp or something similar, you wouldn't
believe how weird it is to go from being told what you'll be doing
every minute of every day; when you can eat, when you can sleep, when
you can be yourself, to having complete freedom over where you're going
to go, what and when you'll eat and what you want to do. When we had a
meeting during the last week of camp about who would be chaperoning the
kids to their various destinations, I actually had butterflies. I guess
in a way it's a bit like being released from prison, you go from a
strict regime to having the freedom and time to do what you like, and
it's a little intimidating to say the least!
The last week of camp was amazing, it completely changed my opinion of
Pinecliffe and everything it stands for. We had Christmas themed
breakfasts with singing waitresses, a huge ornate Banquet, archery
tournaments, sailing regattas, swim meets, gym and karate shows, the
ski show...so much packed into such a small space of time. The archery
tournaments were a great success by the way...I still didn't have any
archery targets but it all went without a hitch! The Banquet was
Tuesday night, and it was a pretty special event, all arranged by the
Jungle girls and with a theme based around the book "The Giving Tree".
We got hot crusty bread rolls...a hightlight of the entire camp
experience for me and Leanne I think..and brownies a la mode for
desert! Angelo, Leo and Joe did a fantastic job! After that we gave out
the awards for the year, like certificates for mile running, and
passing out of swim levels...and I had the embarassment of giving out
the archery awards (the order got messed up so some of th ekids had
IOU's in their envelopes!!). Whilst introducing me Patty actually
thanked me, something she isn't inclined to do, it was great to feel
appreciated by the directors for the first time in 7 weeks!
Leaving was emotional. We had a big campfire on the last night, where
some of the staff made speeches. I don't think there was a dry eye left
when Andrew had finished speaking, he's been with the Lodge girls since
they were Cliffes, that was his first summer, this is his last. Seven
summers and it's come to an end for him. He is an amazing guy and I'm
really proud to have worked alongside him in Landsports, he has
unending enthusiasm and love for the girls he teaches. I tried not to
cry, lucky the wood was damp and the fire was pretty small so no one
could really see me. A lot of the last day was spent packing,
stressing, and consoling crying girls. We were meant to say our
goodbyes to the staff as most of us were leaving with the kids on
Thursday, but I found it too hard. I just wrote notes to those I needed
to say things to. It was hard saying goodbye to the friends I've made
over the past 2 months, we've grown so close, and the Aussies, Kiwis
and SAFs I've met I probably won't see again, which is a hard thought
to contemplate. We're having a mega meet up August 18th with loads of
the counselors, our one last US adventure, until we go our separate
ways and split off back into our little groups that formed over the
summer.
So...Boston. Is awesome. When I first got off the subway and emerged to
face Downtown Boston, the first thing I saw was the Berklee College of
Music...and a recording studio...and a record store...and loads of
people who dress like Ian Parsons. My kind of people they are, chilling
out outside cafes with their mates and their guitars and funny coloured
streaks in their hair...it's great! I even ate an icecream which had
been invented byt he guy from Deep Purple..unfortunately the one
invented by Chad from RHCP had run out...how cool is that! I haven't
managed to hit a gig as my hostel is a bit too far out of the city and
I dont wanna be out late at night, but the suburb of Everett is pretty
cool in it's own way, completely untouristy (?) and working class but
it's quaint and cheaper and the people are friendly. I've made friends
with the major too which is pretty cool, but reading the local papers,
it doesn't look like he's too popular unfortunately..but at least he's
got my back, pointing me in the direction of the nearest payphones and
back up payphones if they weren't working! Going to Fenway Park
tomorrow, home of the Red Sox, Hayley and I are doing Boston by foot
mostly, it's nice just walking around, we've got $15 7 day public
transport passes which have been a great help! We visited the Cheers
today which is a replica of the set of the show, it was a bit weird!
Went to an aquarium with a load of people yesterday too which was cool,
I'm in love with the penguins, they are so cute, but they smell a bit!
Going to Boston Common tomorrow too for some relaxation and boating
across the river! I'm so excited, the end is around the corner and I
know the novelty of being back will wear off after like a week but I
can't wait to get to NY and get home finally! I'm smiling thinking
about being back, even with the crap weather!
Can't be arsed to type anymore, I'm pretty tired, my bodyclock hasn't
quite adjusted yet so I keep waking up dead on 7.30! Guys I know you're
busy and stuff but email me and lemme know you're alive. Chinny that
means you! x
Latest Comments (1)
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In the words of George Michael ........... Freedom (reply)
Aug 13, 2007 05:12 EST by ambrooks38
Hey you
Boston sounds great, wish I was there!!
Not a great deal going on here except everyone moaning about the non-summer. In fact, it was a gorgeous weekend (most of which was spent in the pub of course) and we managed to get the odd speck of sun coz we have to smoke outside!! However, it hasn't lasted and just as I sat down at my desk today ..... the heavens opened yet agai... show all
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