The last time we talked I had been processing the enduring persistence of my quite forthright wife. I have journeyed a little further on that road of travel. I find myself torn in the when’s, how’s and the what’s that will come.
I am in this period of excitement where I want the next step to have happened without even moving my feet.
We are at the where’s right now. Having traveled somewhat before, I have now become engorged with where I am living as it has been far to long. The thrill of being in new cities and countries is very exciting. There are places I want to go that I have been before so that I can savor the flavors of the past. Smells and sounds bring memories flooding back, but being in those places again can be quite nostalgic. One place that is a must and pretty much a cornerstone of all the travel. We will be going to South Africa for the World Cup. When I left South Africa four and a half years ago I vigorously put the World Cup in my schedule of things to do. I am a football fan for some European soccer, but when it comes to the World Cup you have the best of each of the relative countries putting their players in to compete. The quality of these games makes the rest seem elementary in comparison. So from this we must plan the rest.
When in a new city I like to experience life as the locals do it. Going to the local grocery store can be quite a challenge as the language barrier can be difficult. Walking thru the fresh food section can be so exciting as you come across the exotic fresh fruit and vegetables.
I love to find the hidden places that the native people don’t want you to know about as we may destroy the life as they know it. But I do have to persist and find that treasure. Once there it is time to sit back and soak it in. Whether a little cafe, nature or a local square where they sit, play games and drink beer.
I remember in the north of India walking through a local bazaar I came to a local merchant pedaling his cloth and material. At first when I was looking at his products we went thru the usual exchange. After learning that I wasn’t really interested he insisted that I sit with him and chat. He then sent someone to get some Chai (Hot tea with milk and sugar) so that we could sit and spend some time together. Some of his friends and neighboring merchants came by as we sat together. They where very inclusive as we chatted, played cards and some put board games down while watching the traffic file past admiring the various batiks. They would get up to help some of the customers purchase their products. I must have spent the whole afternoon with them without knowing nor caring about the time. These are the kind of cultures I adore!
While writing this my nostalgic juices are flowing as I long for more of the same.
Heres to the journey,
Nomads on the run.
Hey! Nice blog you have here. I’m heading to the World Cup as well. Did you have any luck getting tickets? I’ve got a few games in Durban… no plans yet of course for where Ill stay but I guess that keeps things interesting!
No tickets as of yet. We will wing it and buy some there. I am sure there will be plenty. Lived in SA for a while and have a few friends there. There will probably be a few games with empty stadiums.