I spent most of last week (with a side trip to D.C.) in Ann Arbor, coordinating and finalizing my move. All of my stuff (including my car) got packed and shipped this past Monday and should be in Mountain View in a couple of weeks. My move went pretty smoothly (well, as smoothly as those things go) but seeing my car loaded on a semi was both sad and nerve-wracking. The driver decided to drive Natalie the Jetta to the very top spot on the semi IN REVERSE. At one point, I was sure he was going to end Natalie’s short life by driving her off the stupid thing but then I felt bad for caring more about the welfare of my personified car than for the wellbeing of the driver. Alas, he proved me wrong and managed to drive Natalie up the semi without causing any damages (he was fine, too).
Returning to Ann Arbor after having been away for about a month was fun yet bittersweet. I got to hang out at some of my favorite places and hang out with some of my favorite people. During those short few days, I felt like I was home. I have memories (both good and bad) tucked away in that town and they all came rushing back. As I drove and walked around town and campus, things were still the same but they really weren’t. A fraction of my friends were still in town (and most of them are planning their exodus pretty soon, too), my old apartment is sitting vacant and un-rented, my mailbox in West Hall is empty and awaiting to be reassigned to an incoming first year, the DIAD is deserted, and there are plenty of vacant tables to be had in the UGLI. Ann Arbor, UM, and SI were home for two years but that home will never be what it was.
Of course, I wouldn’t be feeling this nostalgic or sentimental if I had visited Ann Arbor in the middle of winter when the temperature is below zero, inches of unplowed snow cover the town and campus, and the sun is not to be found for weeks.
Broke into the old apartment
Tore the phone out of the wall
Only memories, fading memories
Blending into dull tableaux
I want them back
I want them back
The Old Apartment – Barenaked Ladies
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Hey Noor,
I’m so glad you came back for a few days! Those dinners were a lot of fun.
It’s funny (maybe not) how soon your new place will feel like home, especially if you have friends from the old home nearby.
Good luck with the move!
You’re totally right Sylvie. I started this entry about a week ago when I was in the airport leaving for San Jose. I can’t say that I miss Ann Arbor very much right now! :)
My car just arrived today so somehow I feel like I’m even more at home.