I like living with uncertainty.
It’s one of the better choices I’ve made.
It tests my patience and tolerance for potential discomfort.
At each new house sit I never really know what I’ll be getting into.
I don’t know if the dogs will be mellow or manic…or if the cats will sleep on my face.
I don’t know if a comfy bed awaits.
I don’t know where to buy stamps, or fruit and veggies, or decent bread.
I don’t know how the transit system works, or which neighbourhoods I’d be wise to avoid, or foolish to miss.
Most of all, I don’t know the people.
Some are welcoming, others aloof.
They don’t quite know what to make of my friendly disposition.
Sometimes I wish people were more open to unfamiliar faces in their familiar world.
Sometimes I wish I could read people better.
I avoid checking in online prior to flight time.
It’s a commitment I made right from the start. Doing Pema Proud.
I choose to take whichever seat the airline assigns me.
I figure that’s where I’m meant to be.
As a solo traveler it means I often get wedged between the Window and Aisle passengers. Brilliant. I get to meet two new people.
Recently this included a Hindu monk decked out in his orange-robes and string of wooden beads.
He was surprisingly impatient and quick to complain. I was so disappointed.
Another time I got a Johnny Depp look-alike who marveled at my transient lifestyle.
“That’s the best way to live,” he said. “Home is wherever you are and whoever you’re with.”
(Easy on the eyes and wise too.)
Holding my gaze and leaning closer, he continued, “When I’m with you, you’re at home.”
Yes, I thought, I could give it all up for you.
Hoping to disguise my sudden flush, I looked away giggling like a silly schoolgirl.
I’ve always been a sucker for flattery.
Sometimes I wish I could read people better.
Becky,
you are truly an inspiration to me, your incredible sense of adventure, the way you tell a story but best of all I love that a Johnny Depp look alike can put you in a spin, I love that story.
Yes I agree, people should be more open to an unfamiliar face, I mean yours is pretty gorgeous anyway, it should be easy, it’s the way of the world now, very sad, I am like you, most people can be my best friend, not always such a good idea, but I don’t care give them all a chance I say.
I wish you all the best as always and I love reading your stories.
Oh Micky and Sarah still going strong he ripped his lil du claw so had to have surgery, at the same time a tooth extraction, Oh and a scale and clean, WHAAAT we say $435, we need a clean and scale. The things we do.
We also have now moved into our new home which was finished 5 weeks ago I will email you our new address. Take care love Gail x your Bunbury buddy.
Thanks for your kind words Gail, and for the update on Mickey. I have been writing quite a bit for my book, especially about my dolphin experience in Bunbury. Such wonderful memories. I look forward to seeing pics of your new home too.