Hellos and goodbye-for-nows

It's an "Auld Lang Syne" kind of time in the world of higher education, but before I officially leave campus for the summer, I struck off for a weekend in DC (naturally) for a combination of hellos and goodbyes (or, better, talk-to-you-soons and see-you-laters). Necessarily prioritizing due to the limitations of a weekend visit, I was ultimately able to see only two of the people I'd have liked to check in on: Tony, a fellow former intern who'd disappeared to Nebraska for a year and was in town for a brief visit... and Jimmy, the much-beloved (by some) owner of Larry's Ice Cream. 


Staying with a mutual friend, Tony and I trekked from our former hangout and meeting point in Dupont Circle to a less-than-affluent area of the city as we hit the northeastern section of the green line metro- not nearly as notorious as southeastern DC, but enough that housemates greeted us with news of an apparent shootout down the street. Regardless, the atmosphere was soon relaxed as we adjourned to the deck, grabbing a guitar and drinks on the way. From there, it was a ladder up to the roof, where one couldn't help but admire the view of the distant Capitol and Washington Monument, with James Taylor playing in the mental background. Fresh mango, a lengthy but successful attempt at homemade samosas, and staying up into the wee hours to catch up, listen to, and play music made for a worthy couple of days.


In the midst of this, we parted ways for an evening, others to a local bar to meet up with friends and me to Dupont and Jimmy, the late/middle-aged Turk known to the Washington Post as the "Scoop Nazi." After visiting several times over the course of last spring, I've made a point of attempting a visit when I'm in the city for any length of time, and Jimmy never fails to make me smile, thanks equally to his sarcastic manner and side comments, his habit of claiming me his own, and some excellent ice cream (of which I'm always given extra, free of charge). This rainy Saturday evening, I found the place empty and, after awarded the typical (and heavily accented) dubbing of "beautiful" and "my love," took my overfilled cup of ice cream to a table to observe Jimmy's teasing barbs at the next customers, a pair of first time visitors. Not long afterwards, his attention was returned to me, at which point he easily made my day by remembering my favorite flavors, striking up a conversation, and watching me walk away as I glanced back through the window.


A high compliment had been paid - especially coming from the "Scoop Nazi." Even as I weathered a quickly worsening downpour, I couldn't help but smile remembering the friendly and approving look on Jimmy's face as I caught him watching me leave the store. There's something about spotting someone watch you walk away - something that assures you that you won't soon be forgotten - that has to rank high on the list of best possible compliments.


...Back to campus, speedy adieus, talk of summer plans, and packing. Less than 30 days left to Denmark, but I still have no doubt of going a bit stir-crazy in small town northwestern Pennsylvania. A return to vineyards, Lake Erie, and my beautiful but overly self-assured dog will be welcome, and North East truly is a quaint little town prime for visiting- especially if you aren't actually from the area (ahem). Soon enough, though, it'll be time for another adventure, more hellos and goodbye-for-nows. Always appreciating those who won't soon forget you and keeping them in mind, while looking forward to the new conversations and experiences to come.


[Temporary] return to North East means...