Are you are lost in a world changed beyond imagination?
Consider staying in a small village, far from the cities and main roads. You are the only westerner there, and almost nobody speaks any English. How will you cope? There is zero western food, except maybe eggs, which are universal. Like, nobody can ruin cooked eggs, right?
However, it’s unlikely that you will be served eggs three meals a day. It’s a ladle wash with cold water at the end of the day, and the sunset is truly incredible. The light show lasts for almost an hour, a total contrast to yesterday’s rain. Would you be lonely? Out of your depth? These are the real questions. Where do you fit? Where do you, I, we, feel comfortable?
Are there boundaries or limits to our happiness? There is no western tv, no radio, and phone signal is sometimes dismal. I have stayed here previously, so I am no stranger to the village. Many locals have seen me before. Yet, other than saying hello, I mostly cannot communicate with them. It reminds me of a book title. Stranger in a Strange Land. Few will know it. It was written perhaps 50 years ago. Today, we must each write our own story.
As a person over 55 years, I feel for the younger generation of travellers, who, like me, are stranded overseas, far from home. They have had their life put on hold, and time is ticking by. For me, I have lived a lifetime already, far more adventurous than most. And still, I do my best to make the most of the situation. Despair need not be in your vocabulary, nor in your mind.
There is a joy to behold. It’s within you. It is life itself. Make the most of each and every day. If you are 20 or more years younger than me, then you can at least come through this time and not be granted a Senior’s Card.
Hold your head up. Be proud of who you are. Walk with confidence. Remember, even in darkness, you can always find light. Train yourself to see the bright world ahead. It’s coming. Be open and ready.
