about going home…

trip: Cairo to London
how: Aegean Airlines
miles total:  8919
days: 2

As we board our flight to head back to London I am mentally and physically exhausted. The mood is a bit solemn as G and I reflect on our trip. It’s funny its all over with… The 6 weeks flew by and I can remember every moment of it. We often think about our first days during the trip, when we arrived in Istanbul. We had no idea what we were about to experience, but we were so open to whatever would happen. I think that because of this openness I was able to make the most out of this trip (as you do with anything you are open to). However, this trip was different. This trip changed me in a way that no other trip has done. I can’t pinpoint what it was that changed or what it was that caused the change. I can only say that experiencing the cultures of these countries had a lot to do with it. Experiencing what it was like to be a woman in these places was something I had never experienced in South America, North America or Europe. It was a whole different world. I never saw woman out in the daytime, when they went out some were completely covered and always walking behind their husband. The people were happy though. And as I became immersed into this world I found myself longing less and less for the world I had known and I had a craving to learn more, to know more. I suppose this is what traveling does (this or the opposite).

Places in the Middle East that were deprived of the things I thought were ‘normal’ in life, were the places that touched me the most. The example that pops in my head is Syria. The country is full of the kindest, warmest, most genuine and hospitable people I have ever met. Yet, they don’t even have half the luxuries we deem as important, luxurious, or even necessary.  One of those luxuries is the simple freedom of speech. Especially as a woman. It is a poor country too. The signs of poverty are all around you and the average income in Syria is about US$ 200 a month (if that).  But, again…the people are happy. And they will do anything in their power to make sure you are happy too… after all… you are in their spectacular country.

Well, the ‘western world’ hasn’t changed. London is still here with all its hustle and bustle (and rain). G and I will be here for 1 week before we move to our new home in Sevilla, España.

Bye for now… more reflections to follow.

Ma’a as-salaama  مع السلامة
L

Share!

•