Just got back from the airport. My cousins just left to go home to france. The house is full with 4 people but it feels empty.

It's not like we were close, or even talked very much. It's kinda hard to converse considering the language barriers.... we did a lot of hand gestures, sound effects, and scattered english, polish and (very bad) french words. Worked though.

They didn't even stay too long. They were here about two weeks, then spent the consequent two weeks travelling about between melbourne and sydney. And when they were here they went out everyday so we hardly saw them except dinner time.

But dinner time was when we bonded. Not having much to say to each other, or at least the capacity to say much to each other, we bonded over food that was mutually enjoyed. It also helps to have parents who can translate. The kids were always so helpful, as soon as someone started to set the table they'd always be there to grab the spoons off you. Little 11 year old Matilde would grab a tissue and give the table a vigorous wipedown while 14 year old Nicolas found the drinks and glasses. And then 16 year old Camille would emerge from her bedroom where she had been updating her Australia sketchbook. We'd all sit down together, the kids would all say "smacznego" one by one (polish for bon apetit) and tuck in. Little Matilde rarely cleaned up her plate, but when she enjoyed her food she let us know. And the two elder ones never had a crumb or scrap left on their plates. Ever. They ate and enjoyed everything. That means a lot to hosts.

But the one thing i won't forget very soon is the way everyone smiled. First thing in the morning when you look like crap they'd look at you and smile as if you're the best thing they've seen in years. And keep smiling throughout the day. Even after i'd got tired of smiling so much (and trust me, it takes a lot to make me tired of smiling) they're still happy. You don't know how good it feels to see a smile till you've seen them smile.

Considering how little we interacted, aside from extensive stretching of facial muscles, i was surprised at how much the goodbye hurt. Camille I hugged first, and then their dad. Then Matilde came along, whimpering and looking ready to cry and hugged me the way i would hug my favourite teddy bear. So sweet! Mum and my aunty cried of course, i'd cry too if i wasn't going to see my sister for a few years. Then we all did a grand display of crazy waving right up till they disappeared behind those huge customs doors. I'm talking the sound of music kind of waving.

And there i shall leave them. The last thing i remember of them is Matilde's beaming face and a host of hands in the air, just visible over the heads of the insanely large family in front of us. Airports are fun, but goodbyes suck. Memories are good though.