Europe

I am part of the way back across the world, visiting my dearest sister and her family for a bit before returning to the states. I think possibly one of the most depressing experiences is seeing a new flight posted directly to your destination, but you just look down at the tickets in your hand for 3 more connecting flights, 2 layovers, and 22 more hours. I just thought of the hundreds and hundreds of dollars more it would be and how many less naps I could take, and carried on bravely. At the first airport I confused the security people because all of my liquids in my carryon were in a Ziploc bag. They ran it through twice and asked if they could look in my bag because all the liquids were in one area and it was strange. They looked in my bag, but ignored my 1 liter Nalgene full of water. My last experience in that town is 7 little boys running after me as I was walking across to board the plane, yelling “White person! Hey! You’re a white person! White person, white person!” The next airport, I was still a rarity… but finally by the third airport I was no longer the only pasty ghost, although I was still getting sideways looks as I exited the plane. The fourth airport was so wonderfully full of Europeans and I blended in. Blending in is my favorite. As some of you may be aware, Europe is significantly colder than Africa. As the plane finished taxiing, everyone started pulling parkas from the overhead bins and suiting up. I had a whole row to myself that flight, and I am having difficulty even finding the words to describe the emotional high I experienced, just know that I was blissfully happy. I had slept the whole way, so I was a bit drowsy as I exited the aircraft, but the frigid air rapidly reversed that. One more short hop and I was finally with my loving sister, brother-in-law, and the adorable nephew. I’m so happy here, I spent my early teenage years here and feel quite comfortable here.

We drove back from the airport… I’m glad I have this week of being a passenger on the right side of the road before I have to drive back in the States. Because I definitely startled a few times cause I thought we were driving on the wrong side and were about to die. Weird contrast to go from red dirt roads, palm trees, people in bright African prints, to green fields, windmills, canals, and people in black winter coats. I love both.

We went to the grocery store earlier. The meat is all clean and cut up and in packages, not covered in flies or reeking. I tried to restrain myself and not get too much, but it’s hard when you’re surrounded by delicious nostalgic foods from your past. And cheese. It was so exciting because I remembered the language… do you know how amazing it is to understand everything being said around you instead of only every 15^th word?

The contrasts between Africa and Europe are so very striking. I love them both, I do.

Colorful, hot, loud, dusty, crowded market vs. tiled, organized, cool, clean grocery store.

Red clay huts with naked kids playing in the dirt vs. cobblestone streets with rows of beautiful old, skinny houses.

Scorching sun vs. cold rain and gray skies.

Large compound and big house vs. 3^rd story 1 bedroom apartment.

Unclean water and power outages vs. tap water I can brush my teeth with (!!!) and reliable internet.

When I arrive back in the States, it will be my 3^rd culture in 2 months. Please be aware my head will be all kinds of messed up and I will be overwhelmed and that I will need extra grace.

I have a few half-written posts I’m trying to finish up and get posted, so everything will be a disjointed, but I wanted to let you know where I was in my journey.