Oh the Hardships

Though I’m enjoying this trip immensely there are undoubtedly some hardships that one has to suffer. The most obvious ones: defecating in dug out holes, wild camping on windswept nights, living out of the back of a car – aren’t really much of an issue to be honest. Rather it’s been things I wasn’t completely anticipating that have turned out to be the biggest hardships.

Friends

I really miss my friends! I’ve mentioned in previous blogs what a joy it is to be spending this time in the company of Captain – and that still holds true. But I’m really missing the friendships I had nurtured both in Tokyo and England. Yes we have met people along the way and I’ve enjoyed these passing friendships. But that’s all they were: passing. I’m missing chatting, laughing and hanging out with my friends. So yes…..I admit…..it’s getting a tad boring being with Captain all the time!!

Food

Anyone who knows me knows I love food; both cooking and eating. The double whammy being that we’ve left, what many call, the food capital of the world. I won’t moan too much about the food – I’ll just say it’s pretty bloody awful! I miss salads, vegetables and fruit so much it hurts. Yes, you can get some fruit and veg here…..but there’s not a big range of produce and I’m sure you can understand the difficulties of storing and preparing food from the boot of a car – not easy. I said to Captain the other night (which he is still teasing me about) “I’m sick to death of the goddam food.” Well I am.

Work

Now this really is unexpected……missing work! But, strangely I do. I suppose it’s the professional life I shared with my colleagues that I miss the most. Education is a political beast and I miss the dialogue, struggles and debates that being a teacher harnesses. I guess I’m missing the intellectual element that work brought to my life. Travelling doesn’t really necessitate the use of too many brain cells. “Where shall I dig my pooh hole this morning.” “Shall we drive into the petrol station from the left or right?” “Do I stop here or over there for my cup of tea?” As crazy as it sounds….I hold my hands up……I miss work 😉

Wine

Need I explain this one – I’ll just say that the search for nice wine never ends.

So there we go…..my four unexpected hardships of travelling. So when I’m back home please can we go out for a meal with a couple of bottles of fine red wine and have a good old moan about the state of the education system. Now that will cheer me up no end!