-
The Unravelling
The last month, and especially the last three years, it seems as if I have travelled through Europe but really, I have travelled through the territory of vulnerability. It always surprises me how my gut feeling has never been wrong, but yet I so often question myself before I trust it. My story in France…
-
Peace
The count down to when I leave this place in France is always so difficult. It has been every time. But this time, it’s a little different. I sit on my balcony to write for the first time, rather than in a café. The wind is icy, but the sky is cloudless and the sun…
-
How Travelling Changes You
Travelling changes you in secret ways. The air of a different country gets into your lungs, the water soaks under your skin and you are given different dreams even though you sleep under the same moon. You may think that you have remained the same person, but you haven’t. At least this was the case…
-
Looking at Your Reflection in Italy
Today, I have spent my day missing yesterday. It’s not very productive I know, but it happens. I was meant to go out and see France yesterday, but instead I went to Italy and returned only very late at night. I had the most fun I’ve had in a long time, I have to admit….
-
Life is Like Writing
Today I don’t write much, because my mind is not really here with me – it’s elsewhere. The weather is nice and the air is still a little cold but it doesn’t bite. I am going out today to actually enjoy France, finally. I am someone who thinks a lot, and my writing is often…
-
Awake in a Daydream
It’s true, if you travel to a different country to run away from problems then… your problems always catch up with you again. But still, if you’re going to run away from your problems, then you might as well make it fun and go to another country. That’s what I did, and I have to…
-
Finding Patience Between Romantic Moments
While in France, I’ve actually learned a lot about romance. It sounds so corny to say, but I think that I have experienced more romantic moments here than in any other country. It’s just a personal experience. Almost every man I have dated here has put in a little extra effort than I have normally…
-
The Wind Rises
Today the weather has turned, and there seems to be a storm passing over. The wind is strong again, and I feel the pollen and dust from the air enter my lungs making me cough. My mind irresistibly leads me to the Japanese film, The Wind Rises, which is a title inspired from the first…
-
To Travel Slowly
The month of March seems to have moved slowly, but the first two weeks of April have disappeared in a flash. The last two weeks, I have moved with purpose. And when we move with purpose, we forget that life resides in the present moment. Sometimes this is unavoidable. But it is precisely because of…
-
Dreaming of Japan
Recently, my days have been filled with practical matters. Tying up loose ends and preparing for my trip to Japan. I have been learning Japanese and also going to a local Japanese café to get me in the mood. It’s working. I am incredibly fortunate that just a short way from where I stay is…