How to Say Goodbye to Your City

Every time I move I feel like my last few days are a big to-do that I should take advantage of. However, I'm also really bad at acknowledging the reality of my impending departure and refuse to do anything out of the ordinary. So I've realized, perhaps, the best way to say "Goodbye" to the place you've called home isn't by making a big deal out of your leaving--but by embracing the things you do every day any way.

Here is my guide on how to not go out of your way to say goodbye to your city.



1. Quit your job early

This may seem a little obvious, but even if you like your job, quitting is such a satisfying feeling. And you can use the extra few days to enjoy the city with fewer responsibilities.


2. Eat all of the local foods.

Sometimes I forget that the rest of the world doesn't have amazing burgers on every corner and fantastic Mexican food practically falling from the sky. I will be partaking in obscene amounts of  In-n-Out and Fish Tacos; but most importantly a burrito monstrosity filled with meat, sour cream, pico de gallo, and french fries we call a California Burrito. 

3. Be a tourist in your own town

Hike to the look-out point you always make reasons not to go to. Take a stroll through the touristy district you usually avoid. Wounder through your City's Historic museum. Take this time to see things you've always been meaning to see but never got around to.

Or, be like me, and skip this step. Instead lay out of the beach and get drunk. This is your time, enjoy it.

4. Get drunk at your favorite establishments, by yourself.

Say goodbye to that bar you post up at after work. The one you stop in at because its convenient and its close to your house.This is really important: go alone. It gives you a chance to really wallow in it and soak up this place have accidentally spent so much of your time. It might not have a lot to offer ascetics wise, and probably smells like stale Doritos, but you may never be back and this is something you want to savor.

5. Spend time with your best friends

Don't worry about trying to say goodbye to everyone you've ever crossed paths with. Let's be honest, they probably wont miss your presence either. That's a lot of energy you could be spending marathoning netflix with your best friend. In fact, moving is a perfect excuse to avoid people you don't want to see. "I have a lot of packing left" will get you out of just about anything and allow you to binge on Archer episodes and eat junk food.



and lastly, but most importantly....



6. Don't panic.

Yes. This is scary. Leaving is hard, moving is hard, starting over is hard. But you can do this, and it may just be the best decision of your life.  The people who matter are going to be there rooting for you, and there is nothing stopping you from making this count.