Thursday, July 5, 2012

Abschiedsfeier

Today was the last day of English lessons. It was bittersweet. The girls were sad but I kept telling them that by being sad, we were ruining our last day together. That helped them to shrug off the sadness and enjoy being together a little bit more.

This evening Sonja, Karl, the kids, and I all went out for dinner at a sushi restaurant to celebrate the 6 weeks we spent together. It was really nice, I had delicious food from the buffet and Sonja ordered us champagne. I especially enjoyed watching 6-year-old Amelie eat sushi. Sometimes I think that girl would eat anything. After devouring everything in sight, Amelie raised her glass of apple juice and said "To Molly" as we all clanked glasses. Karl said that I was more than welcome to come back anytime. It's a good feeling to have these connections with people around the world.

After dinner Karl gave us a tour of his business, Carbotech. It's actually an impressive story. He started the business in his parent's garage when he was 24. Now, nearly 20 years later, his company has 530 employees and makes parts for Porsche and other auto companies. He may not know the names of all of his employees, but he takes the time to greet each person he sees. They may have many advantages in life, but Karl is a self-made man and I've never met more humble and kind people.

Now it's with deep regret that I have to pack and soon say goodbye to a place that has become like home: Salzburg.

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