levart - the art of returning

When someone talks about travellig, we automatically think of going somewhere.  We don't often think of what goes out generally has to return.  It seems that after the halfway point of your time away, some part of your brain starts a countdown to the day you leave / return.  The homing call is heard and it seems you must answer.

One way of lessening the call is to try harder to do nothing... a sort of state of inertia.  Many seem to attain this state.  Look at the menber of couch potatoes in North America.  another way it to do the exact opposite.  Immurse yourself so fully into a project that time stands still.  (Shopping does not really  do it for me .... time just feels that it has stopped).  For me a good hands on problem works well.

But, and there is always a but,  eventually you come aburtly out of time warp.  Either the project coms to some conclusion or some spoilsport is tugging om you and telling you that you have to get packed...now!

Goodbye pineapples and sun.   Goodbye dust and wierd project.  Hello, all the mundane things that make up a "normal" life

Deja Vu or coming "home"

Returning to places of your past is totally different from touristing in new lands.  There is always the fact that places like people change over time but some places are like best friends.  The years may take a toll but despite the laugh lines and age spots, a friend is always the same.  You can just pick up where you left off.

I have found that SakejiSchool and its surrounding is that old friend.  Both of us have more wear and tear but its is a home.  That comfortable feeling that you are still accepted by the place.  Of course any "home" has great memories and other memories that may be on the sad side.

And the people of Africa retain their memories better than DVD's!  "Ah please sir, do you remember me?  I was the one who .....    "  The fact that they were 14 or 15 at the time and it was 16 years ago, does not seem to matter to them.  On the other hand, my memory is a lot less  efffcient (and accurate).

But the Northwest province of Zambia is a place that has enfolded our family and there is a draw that is felt, especially when travelling.  Of course there is also the draw of the regular "home" and family.  Too many draws but I love them all.

What lights up NWP?

Part of travelling is enjoying the places you arrive at.  If it is the remote spot that many people "wish" for, there can be definite benefits.  One of these is not being able to post because the service is toos low or spotty or...   The down side is when you do get the opportunity to post, you have to remember your last thought train.  In my case, the train was definitely derailed.

Northwest Zambia is an amazing place, especially in the rainy season.  I had forgotten the sheer power and majesty of the thunder storms and rain.  And the magnitude of the lightning eradicating the darkness.  Images that can never really be caught on film or video but has to be felt in person.  Worth the trip alone. 

And the fruit.   Pineapples to die for.  In some ways, you're not really eating a pineapple unless the juices are running down you chin.  A little hard on the clothes though.  Eaten with some of those sweeet bananas that you just can't get back home.   (A little of both keeps you regular!).

Better enjoy them while I can because I can't take them home with me.  At least not enough to last more than a day or two.