hi from Mexico

[howsmyenglish]

I've been in Mexico city for almost six days now. It's partly fun, partly stress, partly deargodwhatishappeningtomystomach, and partly... party I just want to be home. You know? Not like "leave right now and go back", but like... I'd like for our Mexican/Guatemalan vacation to be over, I'd like it to be the beginning of October, strong winds back home, the smell of autumn (of sorts), the feeling that a new academic year is about to start. I'm tired of travelling. I know, it sounds like I'm tired of being on vacation, and it might sound unfair, but... really... the fifth+sixth country in a year besides the one I live in... and so much summer this year... I've missed spring (of sorts) at home, because I went straight from winter (of sorts) to the south of China, which is almost always summery... And I seem to be loosing my brains, they're scattered around the globe: I forgot so many things this time. The medicines that really help me and aren't available anywhere but in Germany (and that I stock in quantities at home). The travel yoga mat that I usually don't use, but this time, especially, I told myself to take with me, because once I leave it at home I'll really miss it. And I forgot it, and I do miss it, verdammt nochmal (sorry, that's a German curse, I didn't find anything in English that would express my feelings adequately). And the worst thing is - I left my driving licence at home. And even worse: I did not forget it. My brain was not able to realize that I might need it. I left it at home on purpose. Out of fear I might lose it. Even though I knew we were going to take a rental car. How dumb is that?! I don't even. I mean. How, how can I explain that away? *huge facepalm*

But still, despite being tired, I'm glad to be here, I do like Mexico and Mexicans, it's so bright and pretty here, so much music, so much life (and death, which, for me, totally adds to the greatness of it all). I've never been to Guatemala, but I hope I'll like it, too. We're flying there for a week on Friday... did I mention I feel at home in airports? Anyhow. Frida Kahlo's Blue house says hi. I'm reading you every morning, it keeps me connected to something that I call "my reality" - you know, even though I am constantly moving to another place (we're going to stay at ... wait... at least 9 different places in the coming month), the people, whose lives I'm by now used to reading about, still exist, their lives continue, despite me not always remembering who I am. It really helps. Please don't mind the lack or the randomness of comments... or... even inadequacy, maybe? I am having trouble holding on to reality, the world is spinning very fast this year.

Comments

[corvidology]

Hello!

It's actually amazing how much being out of step with your body clock 'seasons' if you will, can really mess with your head.

I now live somewhere that's basically summer for 10 months of the year and still I'm craving autumn so hard right now I can taste it.

[howsmyenglish]

Oh, I know what you mean. It's especially like that with autumn for me. I like all seasons, and when I was growing up, we used to have 4 of them, all very real and intense. That's more than two thirds of my life ago now, so I don't miss them that much anymore, but autumn - autumn is special.

[smallhobbit]

Waves! Thinking of you in your travels.

[howsmyenglish]

Waves back! Thank you, that's nice to know.

[hamletta]

You really have done a lot of travelling this year so the feeling is understandable. Do take care! Maybe writing a travel journal would help keep you grounded?

Enjoy what you can! *Hugs!*

[howsmyenglish]

the "three good things" posts that I've taken to writing do help to digest the travels, but while I'm there... what helps is reading familiar things in the mornings and evenings :) and whenever there's time for writing, it's the PhD that gets the attention...

thank you! hugs back!

[heartonsnow]

woah my head is spinning just reading this!

I am surprised you don't write a list of stuff to take!!!

[howsmyenglish]

)))) thank you! it's good to know I'm not the only one whose head is spinning!

you know, up until this time I thought I'm so used to packing my stuff and going places that there was no chance I'd forget anything. and I never did forget important things up until now. but i guess you're right. I will sit down and write myself a check list! thanks for the good idea!

[heartonsnow]

I'm quite amazed you managed without one!!

[howsmyenglish]

I'll take it as a compliment!)))

[heartonsnow]

Yes of course, I mean it as a compliment!

[thewayne]

Have a wonderful time! I'd love to visit Mexico City, one of these days....

[howsmyenglish]

Thanks!
It's not so far away from you, right? Have you ever been to Mexico?

[thewayne]

The border is about 100 miles or so south of us.  I've been across it many times, my dad was born in Las Cruces which is much closer: I remember one time when we walked across the bridge in El Paso into Cuidad Tijuana and saw glass blowers, must've been over 40 years ago!

[thanatos_kalos]

Have a lovely time, but remember that having a few touchstones of home (maybe going to a restaurant that serves food that you'd have at home or something like it) can help you stop the spin. At the airport on the way back from the Maldives (my holiday from Karachi) I had an early dinner at a Burger King. Just like I'd have if I were back in the States. :P It was incredibly soothing, even though I love the food here and the food in the Maldives.

I also use a number of lists to keep myself sorted, especially when travelling or about to travel. I still forget stuff sometimes, but it's better than not having a list at all! :)

[howsmyenglish]

Thank you!
I could not find a way to follow your advice, but the thought of it was enough to help me feel more at home :D

[thanatos_kalos]

I'm glad it helped! :)

[altamira16]

It sounds like you have been on many fun adventures but that adventuring for too long creates a longing for home.

[howsmyenglish]

This is where i feel i should add that it's not that we're traveling out of pure adventure lust, it's just - the circumstances of our life are such that we need to be traveling a lot. We're working on the way.