Weary

I thought I would write a quick post to let everyone know we are all well, since these days blog posts are trickling out few and far between.  We have been moving around a lot in the last month and time to upload photos on fast wifi has been minimal.  I have, however, been writing down all my thoughts during our flights, so there will be a deluge of posts at some point...

Back of a Tuk Tuk

I titled this post "weary" because that is how I feel these last few days.  I am weary of trying to make plans and figure out where we are going, where to stay, what "must do" sights to see and what ones to miss.  I am weary of hearing my kids bicker when they are bored and now I'm primed so my ears hear fairly benign sibling picking as taunts and it all feels like just too much at times. I am weary of questioning if this was the "right" decision to go for as long as we have, especially when the six year old is fiercely homesick (even though in my heart of hearts I know the good from this time outweighs the bad).   I am weary of not having a few hours to myself to read or write or even catch up on email when it doesn't feel like I should be figuring out where we go next or someone wants/needs attention.

While planning this trip Leo and I recognized that we didn't want to move around too much because we suspected that we would get tired of always being on the go.  Early on we did okay with this, but the last 6 weeks in Asia have been a lot of moving.  Here is what we have been up since we left Northern Vietnam:  We spent about 10 days in Central Vietnam, celebrated two birthdays (thank you for the wishes from afar), flew to Cambodia to explore Angkor Wat, hopped over to Northern Thailand for a week that included camping in the jungle and trekking with elephants, and now we have landed in Sri Lanka.  I have LOTS to say about all those stops, and they have all been positive, or at a minimum a "learning experience" (that is looking at you Angkor Wat).

Highlight: Thai Cooking Class

Yup, that is a real elephant, in the forest!

Angkor Wat

Although I titled this "weary" I am still very thankful for our ongoing health, good fortune and the many opportunities we are all having to see the world in its many varied hues.  And just today, when I was feeling like maybe this was all too much, I was bestowed lovely moments that encapsulated why we are doing this.  During our long drive from Colombo to the mountain town of Kandy Solaz quietly soaked in the views of the world unfolding around him.  He would intermittently tap me on the shoulder and share one keen observation after another.  I was thrilled.  YES! I too noticed that in this country of beautiful mahogany coloured people all the billboards have models with white skin! YES! I too noticed the schoolchildren in the uniforms spilling out into the streets! YES! I too noticed that woman do not seem to be present in most service industry jobs, but there are female police officers. What is that about? Yes, yes, yes.  It is this soaking up and digesting the differences and commonalities among cultures and countries that is so rich.  Later in the afternoon I spent a delightful couple of hours wandering around the lake in the centre of town with the two boys.  We laughed and played, watched monkeys, snakes and fish, and dodged birds pooping from up high.  We declined many a tuk tuk and saw pilgrims making their way to the temple.  We ducked into a local restaurant for dosas and I shared smiles with locals who were taken with the sight of my littlest one looking weary and overheated at the table.  And  then I returned to our guesthouse high on the hill to a girl who was finally feeling better after a few days of tummy issues and a husband who was enjoying the view as the sun set over the town.  So really, the weary is only temporary.  Given that this town has one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka, it is fitting that I reflect on impermanence, both of feelings and experiences, both pleasurable and trying.
With that I will leave you until I find a chunk of time to tell you all about our other adventures!