An empty haus at the bottom of the hill.

Doesn't it suck when you have to say goodbye to peeps you love? Living this international lifestyle, hellos and goodbyes are all part of the package I suppose. It just would have been easier if we were saying goodbye to the neighbours over the fence who start their fighting at 10.30pm every Wednesday night, rather than the neighbours on our side of the razor wire who cook dumplings for us every Friday, gave us a case of their own precious wine when we were looking desperately in need of a drink a few months ago, laugh at most of our jokes, and have lovely offspring that ours loves.

Well, shit. Obviously, as their departure date got closer I started mentally breaking up with them anyway, to soften the blow.

I would be sadder if I wasn't so completely overjoyed for them. They are headed for many new exciting adventures and will soon smell the air of freedom and awesomeness of the next few months. Farewell to the Netsters and the Redster ... thanks for doing the unthinkable and brightening up our compound days and nights for the last 18 months. Think of us as we continue to exercise in the oval in our orange overalls.

A care package every few months would be nice too.