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!
Clare I’m sure you mentioned the pooh word many times at work as well 🙂
Ha ha! I love talking about pooh 😉
Well rest assured that you are heading to the birthplace of wine, Georgia. Pretty decent food once you get to Turkey but Georgia is OK too.
Bring it on!!
Not missing your family at all?
Nope;)
I loved to listening to the conversation you and others. It made me laugh so often! Our meeting had always nice atomosphere becasue of you, Clare!
Yuko….god I love you!