Friday, August 24, 2007

On being back in Asia

My last four weekends in Europe and the US were really special for me, it couldn't have happened better if I had planned it all. First I got to spend time with Della and Carolyn in Los Angeles, the next weekend I was in England with Vicki, the weekend after that it was wine in Barcelona with Christine, and the weekend after that I was drunk in Maidstone with Claire. Four weekends, five amazing girlfriends.
I admit it. I was sad to be leaving Europe in such a hurry, there were so many plans I had made, so many things that I was looking forward to. The birth of my niece... Visiting the Netherlands, Belgium and France... Spending time with my family... Hanging out with friends....
But the feeling that I had on returning to Indonesia was exhilarating. It was easy to slip back into the swing of things. I landed in Medan early in the morning and after finding my way through immigration and passport control, I collected my luggage and set out to find my way around town. For me there is nothing like the excitement of that first day in a new place. Finding somewhere to stay, figuring out the local food and making your way in a new environment.
My priority was 1st to find the hospital, then to find myself a place to sleep. It all happened so easily, my Indonesian language skills did me proud - I was amazed at how much came out of my mouth in that first taxi ride to the hospital. I think the driver was surprised too. I couldn't stop talking. He seemed to understand what I was saying, either that, or he was too polite to tell me to shut the hell up.
Now, we're coming to the end of our time in Indonesia, and the end of our time in Asia. I'm sad. Sad to be leaving. We've had so many amazing experiences here and met so many fantastic people. But.... The adventure continues and as we make plans for the next leg of the journey I am looking forward to Australia. Looking forward to New Zealand. And, looking forward to South America (whenever we get there!).

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