This is my last day in Stellenbosch and a final packing day. But to start, I ran 13.16 miles, a half marathon. Just because! I had been slowly increasing my distances on weekend runs and made 10 miles two weeks ago. So I thought I would try the challenge of a half-marathon. I ran to the entrance gate and slightly into the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve to achieve the required distance.
Next, to Stellenbsoch United Church for a final time and more goodbyes. Then to purchase a newspaper for Tracy at Checkers. Then home to pack, bring stuff to storage at the Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering Faculty (thanks Karin, for letting me in and taking a final photo in my “office”!), load suitcases, and depart for the airport at 7 PM for an 11-PM, 12-hour overnight flight to Amsterdam.
As in 2009, my luggage was overweight. One piece was 2 kg under; the other was 12 kg over. One can pay for an overweight bag, but only up to 10 kg. So I moved 2 kg from one to the other and paid the overweight charge, about $100. Ouch!
Sad to leave Stellenbosch. Not looking forward to the flight. Can’t wait to see Tracy, Mark, and Catherine.
—Matt
