Amsterdam By Boat

This afternoon I had my official send off from school. This is done by section of the school, so not with the whole school. Each section of my school (there are six) works together as a really close team. The 20-odd people in my section are the ones I know best in the school, aside from members from previous years who have moved to different sections. It was special to say my goodbyes with them. It was something I was not looking forward to, as I thought I would spend the small part of the afternoon when all eyes were focussed on me, crying.

It couldn't have been more pleasant if I had planned it myself, though. We took a boat ride through Amsterdam. With cheese, crackers, wine and good company, how could I not enjoy myself?

There were moments in the last few weeks that have reminded me why I stayed at that school for 7 (seven!) and a half years even though I had to travel roughly three hours a day to achieve that. Those moments were wonderful. Just the little kindnesses and jokes I have shared with colleagues over the years. The colleagues I have gotten to know and count as friends, even though first impressions lead me to believe that was not even the remotest possibility. Colleagues I value and admire, who value and admire me. Students who never failed to surprise, delight and educate me. Laughter. Lots of laughter. And some tears.

But not so many tears today. Today was mostly laughter. And cheese. And wine. And the canals of Amsterdam. I love seeing Amsterdam by water. It's really the best way to see it, as Amsterdam was built up around it.

Here are some of my pictures from the day.
Leon, the German teacher. Sometimes crude, mostly funny and a roaring good guy to have around. I can't count how many times he's been glad to take over a lesson for someone who couldn't be there for whatever reason (lots of those were for me).

L-R: My boss, Lex, Rosita and Gianina. Gianina is someone I have had many conversations with and have come to value greatly. Such a lovely person. And I've only known her one school year. Great sense of humour, generous and smart. I can't imagine how we managed before she came to school.

L-R: Gianina again, Martine (art teacher, taught all three of my mentor classes), Lieve (my co-mentor this year, slightly pregnant) and Marit (placement student for biology).

L-R: Petra (my first co-mentor at the OSB), Sanne (drama teacher), Joris (gym teacher, LOLcat lover and proud father), Thomas (biology teacher and mentor of one of my favourite classes), Bernard (math and physics/chemistry teacher, all round wonderful guy, promoter of the school uniform - red t-shirt and jeans)

Arty shots from the boat

This picture was taken from the café we went to for one last drink after the boat trip.

I got loads of lovely parting gifts the last two weeks but the ones I received today were a gift certificate for bol.com (that was my suggestion) and a booklet with little, beautiful and heartwarming messages from my colleagues. Some of them are things I wish I had heard from them sooner. I also got the most gorgeous bouquet of flowers. Red flowers. The roses in it are absolutely perfect. I love how soft rose petals are. I took a few pictures of it because I was so impressed by it. It got its own seat in the train and I am considering naming it. :)

All in all a wonderful way to say goodbye to some of the people I have come to care for a lot over the years. Odd thing is that I am seeing them tomorrow again as that is the official last day. Because everyone realizes that only the ones that don't work on Friday actually said goodbye today. The rest will get their goodbyes tomorrow.

I wonder what it will be like to walk out of the school for the last time.