Adios to G'day

Greeted by a screaming boy for, through his own poor behaivour, was being denied the gift of a bag of skittles from a pair of embarrassed parents, I slumped depressed into an airline lounge seat. Seeing that boy stretched out, kicking and screaming and marching aorund in offensively loud protest of the sugar deprival, was a sharp reminder that i am re-entering the world I now live. Only days before, I had watched village children of his age, with loads of timber strapped to their young backs, trudge up hillsides on a routine and daily delivery of firewood to their households. Remembering those children, hunched over and practising a routine that they would unknowingly continue for 60 more burdomesome years and watching their bright smiles as they did so, compared to the well dressed sugar baby in front of me was a stark reminder of the chasm of wealth, education and living conditions that exist in our world.

Space....it seems that in our world of high personal demands, the comfort of our own circle of space is both
revered and expected. I noticed as every second seat was taken in the airline lounge, with people trying not to sit directly adjacent to each other until all other options were exhausted. How dare we not feel comfortable sitting within elbows reach of our temporary neighbour. How many buses did i get where not only did you share a seat, you quite often shared half of a part of a seat. Personal space is a different concept.

So welcome to culture shock....months travelling around Central America has certainly skewed the lens in which i view life through. Enjoying a relaxing 3 weeks in a lakeside village, spending time with special people was the perfact end to a wonderful introductory trip in this part of the world. The journey home to Australia proved to be an arduous one, as my luck, or lack there of, continued with airlines. Cancelled flights, missed connections and delays all heightened the anticipation of arriving home for the first time in a year to a pair of surprised parents. I still can't bring myself to talk about the bus journey(s) from Atitlan in Guatemala to Mexico to make my connections. I will just say though, that just because it hasn't rained for 3 months, doesn't mean it won't monsoon while you are sitting helpless ona  bus with your luggagge and CARDBOARD box containing your bicycle sits precauriously on top........

Quick visit to Pamela and her new puppy in Mexico on the way home

So home I went. There really is nothing like arriving back to where you are most familar. Surrounded by familar and loving voices, hugs and words, it truly makes a man feel wonderful about life. Home felt more like home this time too which was nice. Busy as usual, the month flew by with already fading memories of time spent surfing, spending time with quality family and friends and celbrating others' milestones as I reconnected with people who are so important in my life.

Celebrating Warfey's wedding

The family tribe

With itchy feet, a sore head and slightly depressed liver, it is time to get moving again now. So here I sit, somewhere between Melbourne and Bangkok, bound for my next little adventure. 2 weeks cycling around Laos with brother number 1, sister in law, nephew and 2 friends promises to be another great experience for me. anoither new adventure for me awaits, as I have only seen asia in passing for 1 week many years ago.

Immersing myself in the culture this time, on bikes, with some great people and experienced travellers, promises to be an eye opening experience. So break out the noodles and tofu, cause here i come!
Following this is another 2 weeks of unplanned adventures before making my triumphant return to my adopted home of vancouver (hopefully minus the 3 christmas kg i have adopted). Apparently I need to get back to reality at some point.....we'll see how that goes.