Post Friend Depression

It strikes viciously each time a visitor leaves: the dreaded Post Friend Depression. The cause this time? My Swiss friend Stephan Schlumpf whisking into town and then out again a scant four days later. It had been exactly two years since last I saw Stephan, when he hosted me for a week in Switzerland after I worked in London. Luckily, he's the sort where you pick up where you left the last time, and we fell back into our usual routine of him making funny jokes, him telling me about all the international travel he's doing, and him trying to convince me to visit him again very soon. (If only I weren't saving for Australia!)

The apartment is empty--my roommate being in Venice visiting one of his brothers--and last night the loneliness kicked in. Instead of going to a friend's birthday party, I fell asleep at 7:30 p.m., woke at 10, fell back asleep till 3 a.m., stayed awake till 4, and woke up for real at 8. Pretty screwy schedule, but I not only needed to make up for all the partying I did with Stephan, I also needed to conserve sleep for the week ahead.

I'm indulging myself in some internationalism: Tonight I have to decide between going to Devon St. for Indian food, or attending a Ukrainian lecture/dinner. Tomorrow is volunteering at the International Youth Hostel by taking a group to a EuroCircle event at a bar. Friday, a small slumber party at my girlfriend's in preparation for our big trip to the Pacific Northwest.

You see, I'm finally travelling out of the Midwest. Four glorious days (Sat.--Tues.) will be spent the Portland, Oregon. It will be a reunion between me and my two college roommates, Sam R. and Rebecca, and 'twill no doubt be boisterous fun. The last time I was in Portland I was 7 years old, and I cannot wait to relive some of the experiences. Well, just one: I want to see a slug. A big, green one. Rebecca has promised they'll be out in force, so the excitement is mounting. I promise to post many photos on my return. Of waterfalls, of verdant temperate rainforest. And of slugs.