Farewell Ebba and Frederick

Three months ago Rob and I met Ebba and Frederick - two lovely, polite, shy backpackers from Sweden. They had come to the island as part of a project by IBIS to employ backpackers in order to supplement the islander staff. They would be staying in the unit in front of ours and would later be joined by other backpackers - Georgina, Yves and Nikki.

When I met them, Ebba was very shy and spoke a little English. Frederick - who had lived and studied in the States for about six month last year - did most of the talking in a very charming American accent :-)

Soon after they arrived Rob and I left TI for Brisbane - Rob to receive treatment for his back and I to be with Phil. We came back two and a half months later.

And we came back to a house full of young people from all over the globe - Belgium, Canada, England - and our original couple from Sweden. I'm on record as saying that we were a bit iffy about the backpacker thing - but let me tell you - we love it now. These gorgeous young people are very likeable, fun, respectful and have become part of the family.

So it was with heavy hearts this morning that Rob and I said farewell to Ebba and Frederick. Three months have passed all too quickly and now they're off onto the next leg of their journey. Last night we took them to Green Hill to watch their final sunset on TI and afterwards we all shared a casual meal at the unit.

Farewell dinner for Ebba and Frederick - we kept it vegetarian in their honour :-)
Houseparent Rob at the head of the table
Nikki (right) talking to Leanna and Dan who are the new kids on the block

Sunset on T.I. as seen from Green Hill



A very dapper looking Rob at Green Hill Fort

 I know eventually the other two - Yves and Nikki - will be leaving - I don't want to think about it. It wasn't part of the deal or planned in any way, but Rob and I have become sort of house parents to these kids. We have grown quite fond of them and this morning was proof of how attached we have become to these wonderful young people.

Ebba wants to know when we're going to Sweden. We're not sure - but one thing is certain - whenever we do there will be a very warm welcome waiting for us .... from our handsome Swedish "son" and his beautiful girlfriend - our very sweet, and now not so shy, Ebba.

Ebba, Frederick and Rob at Green Hill

Life is good.