Did I mention that I will be living by myself in my new apartment? A blessing I never even dared hope to realise here. Only a few more days....

Last night was my great sally into the chaos of packing, and astoundingly enough (for me, at least) by midnight I had completed my task, with the exception of the few things I was keeping with me for the rest of the week and my flannel sheets that I wanted to sleep in between for one last night. I'll probably be slightly chilly tonight-- yes, I know it's not truly cold here, but neither do we have any heat-- and I have only an afghan, no real blanket.

So my room is stripped bare again, emptied of personality and comforts. A small cross to bear considering how little I myself will have to move on Saturday. A backpack only-- the rest of my things will be waiting for me in my flat. Despite the addition of things I've managed to collect since arriving here, I packed it all into my original containers, though I have to admit they would have been overweight by airline standards. As usual, I packed for efficiency of space only, without considering the amount of energy required to move such weight. My taxi driver was kind, though, and without complaint he hoisted two lockers up into the luggage rack on top of the car. I'm sure his back is feeling it now. I paid him well for his sacrifice.