The play went amazingly well, thanks to the 11th hour assistance of many a co-worker. I'll have to write a post about that at some point... or perhaps just tell you in person, as the purpose of this blog was to keep folks updated while I was so far away.
So today I leave Nablus. I wanted to get out of here today to avoid dealing with any potential protests or checkpoint closures tomorrow, which is Nakba Day. Today, Israel celebrates its independence, and tomorrow, Palestinians mourn their displacement. All in all, bad timing for my own departure, I recognize.
So I sit in my room, bags packed, waiting for my wash to dry sufficiently to pack them away and head to Jerusalem. It started pouring down just as I went to hang it on the line this morning, which is less than ideal for the drying, the leaving, and the wandering around Jerusalem I had intended to do today. Mais ç'est la vie, non?
I'll make my way to Tel Aviv by Sunday night, and I'll be heading out before the sun that morning. My first two days back in the States, I'll be monumentally overwhelmed by NYC no doubt, with all of its things to do and buy and eat and see. Then meeting up with whomsoever wishes to say wassup in Austin on Wednesday at the Aviary Lounge, then back in Dallas Thursday. And then... who knows. The summer is wide open.
I'm still not sure which Dorothy I am right now, whether I'm coming or going. The easiest analogy is that I'm Dorothy in the last scene - "Oh, it's so hard to say goodbye!" - about to tap my heels. But I really feel more like Dorothy in the beginning of the play, about to start her journey. After all, soon enough I'll be tapping my heels and finding myself back here again.
Who knows. Whatever analogy is suitable, I sure am gonna miss this place.
I'll keep you all posted as I travel. And once I land on the other end, I'll keep those of you still on this end posted with what's up over there.
Much love to all.
