One more sleep

September 29, 2014

I leave tomorrow for Calgary where I will be for two days to help Nick pack and to buy the last few things we need for our trip before leaving for London Thursday night. I have repacked about three times. I keep changing my mind on what I should bring. The urge of course is always to bring WAY TO MUCH! I have to remind myself that on the road - NOONE knows me, and NONE will know if I wear the same clothes three days in a row! That reminds me of my 4 month trip in 2007 with Joel...Joel would wear his underwear for one day, then put it on backwards and wear it for one more day. Then he would turn it inside out and repeat the process! It’s brilliant – really!

I have mixed feelings about this trip. I am excited for Nick to see the world and experience things new to him. New cultures, new realities. I look forward to observing his reactions to the different cultures, food, and geographical features we will see - especially in the Philippines. ANd I look forward to the inevitable bonding that happens on these trips. On the other hand, I am a bit nervous about dealing with my various health issues on the road. I have visions of being arrested for drug trafficing given the sheer volume of drugs I have to take with me. They take up more room in my suitcase than my clothes! Also, as I get older I find my capacity for these long flights is a bit diminished. For that reason, we are breaking up our long trip to the Philippines with short stays in Europe and Dubai. The hope is to allow myself to adjust to the time changes a little more slowly (I need my sleep), and to have a few days of exercise and move around in between long overnight flights.

I also know from experience, that after about 3 weeks, it gets difficult to be apart from my husband.I rely so much on his loving support that being without it is always hard. But, stretching myself is one of the reasons I travel, and being apart gives me a chance to appreciate what I have at home. I love the homecomings!!

Speaking of home, fall is here in the Okanagan. It is beautiful. The air is fresh but the days are still so warm. By leaving now I will be missing my usual garden wind down of removing old plants, preparing my garden beds for next spring, saving seeds, etc. I have tried to get as much done as possible, and have left a small list for Stephane to do while I am gone. I just watched a large gaggle of geese fly overhead…heading off on their long journey south. I wonder if when they return from being away a long time they feel the same sense of relief to be back as I do?