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Published: August 12th 2008
Author's note: If there is going to be one blog you skip, this would be it. I've done nothing but eat dinner since my last blog. There are no pictures. There are no grand adventures. These are just some of my thoughts as I sit here trying to fall asleep.
1) Today is the Queen's birthday and therefore considered Mother's Day. When there is a new queen, there will be a new day to celebrate Mother's Day. Today you were not allowed to publicly drink beer. When we were eating dinner the waiter had Eric keep his beer on the ground because the police could technically give us a hard time because of it. Interesting!
2) Silk shops- they are every where, never gave them a second glance. That is, until Eric showed up in his hand made linen pants. Do you remember when little orphan Annie went to the movies for the first time, running back and forth down the aisle? It was like that. The store was small, maybe your average kitchen size, lined from ceiling to floor with fabrics (wool, cashmere, silk, linen, etc). In the center were three chairs and one table, filled with catalogs (Armani, Versace, etc). All you had to do was pick your fabrics, then design, using the ideas from the catalogs and your own, your own outfit. I went in with two dresses in mind, for two weddings, two weeks apart. I will be leaving the island with 1 winter white knee length wool coat, 1 maroon spring/fall silk lined linen jacket, 2 suit jackets (gray and black), and 1 jean jacket. The total came to, big gulp here, $450! REMEMBER, these new wardobe items were literally deisgned by me and are currently being sewed together to fit my body perfectly. I do feel guilty, hence the writing to purge myself of my sins, but I really think it was well worth it. I'm a saver though, not a spender. I grew up on food stamps, every penny counts to me. The only comfort I have now is knowing that the majority of you probably would have done the exact same thing. Suggestions on how to bring these items home, or even get them off the island in my back pack would be appreciated.
3) 100% of the group is now fully functioning thanks to the help of the local chemist. Who, speaking little english, was able to communicate using hand gestures. Yes, using hand gestures. I dare you to try that one.
4) I didn't come here to be afraid. I came thinking I could leave all my inhabitions behind. Thinking I could do that is like trying to run away from a problem. You can run, but your problem will never be farther than your shadow. So yes, I refused to join in on karaoke, feeling my throat constrict at the thought of my voice (talking or singing) projected out of a microphone. I love dancing. I love music. I find singing in my car a release. It's the being seen part I struggle with. So, I can not, absolutley can not, let the fear of the monstrous ocean prevent me from enjoying the last week of a truly enlightening trip. I was able go in the ocean as far as my hips today, possibly the farthest I've ever been in open water, but I'm certain I'll need to get in deeper than that for snorkeling and scuba diving. I'm going to allow myself to feel afraid, BUT I'm going to push, shove, and kick myself to not hold back.
5) Many of you have already started asking about my plans for next summer. Yes, there will be a trip, not as long, maybe not as far. I would much rather spend time in one place, doing something for the community, then the backpacker 2 night city sleepovers. I'd LOVE to go to Africa and work with people infected with AIDS or a Habitat for Humanity trip. A "good will ambassador trip" is just as much about finding out about yourself as it is about having a slightly better understanding of the world. If you are interested, start saving. Next summer will be here before you know it.
6) Still not really tired, but I just heard something jump or fall into the pond directly behind me and I can't help but to keep looking back, as I am in the dark, outside on a porch right now. It's just a creepy sci fi movie scene waiting to happen.
7) Good night! Thanks for listening...or reading, I should say.
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Jane
non-member comment
Hi Kristin. I love reading everything you write. The insightfulness and emotion is so powerful. I am learning about myself through you (if that makes sense). As for your trip to the Island Boutique don't feel guilty....ever!! (funny coming from me, huh) I can't wait to see your purchases. This may sound stupid....but....... is there a mail or shipping service there? You could maybe ship them home???? Just a thought. Well now for the countdown....1 week.....I can't wait till you are back in the Big Beantown!!!!! Travel safely and enjoy the moments!!!! Love ya. Jane