I get by with a little help from my friends.
As of late I have been making several phone calls to my friends back home. Ultimately, it helps ground me by hearing what is happening in their lives and being able to tell stories from mine. A thing I appreciate the most is hearing their voices. I have a heightened sense of hearing where I am able to identify anyone on the phone by a simple “hello.” There is something so comforting about hearing a familiar voice.
The friendship with my travel companion has become a friendship I hold at the upmost importance. He is always there, helping me make the next move. Living the way we do can be tiring but we have found a way to balance these burdens.
For example, a disheartening moment was when we found out we were unable to get a train to Hong Kong from Shanghai. Our only option became an over priced sleeper bus. I had come to this conclusion after sifting my way through a sea of pushy Chinese people who did not understand the definition of a queue. I made my way back to my companion who was waiting with our bags. I was exhausted and tired of trying to communicate and tired of being cut in line and being told to go to different lines after waiting 20+ minutes. I started at my companion with a list of complaints.
“These God d*** pushy people! I’m so sick of being taken advantage of and people not understanding me. I’m so tired of hearing people hacking and spitting.”
“Ugh, I know. Don’t worry. Wait here. I’ll go out there this time.”
All I needed was a break from the chaos and as good friends do, they interpret what you need or want and try their best to make it happen for you.
I am still in awe at the kindnesses I have experienced on this adventure. Especially now, while I am sitting with Jordan (who was in Istanbul in the beginning and rode the Trans-Siberian) in Singapore. Immediately after reuniting did Jordan find us a place to stay. It has been so refreshing seeing a familiar face and hearing a familiar voice.
This reunion made me think of the people who no matter how far I go are always there to answer the phone.
I MISS YOU!
“Thy friendship oft has made my heart to ache; do be my enemy for friendship’s sake.”
– William Blake
“It is not so much our friends’ help that helps us as the confident knowledge that they will help us.”
– Epicurus
On another note…I am wearing a dress and swinging in a hammock. A woman drew henna on my hand today and I am staying in an international household with the coolest people. The beautiful Yanna from Berlin makes hoola hoops and performs Poi.
Although I miss all of you, I am only adding to the list of amazing people who I am lucky enough to have in my life. Thank you all for being there.
Zorba's Caravan 
I slept in your bed last night. Not only was it much more comfortable than my torture-mattress (I wanted to give my aching back a break), but I could feel the vibrations of all your stuff surrounding me in the vibrant darkness. Nice to feel your presence on this side of the globe! Earlier, I took a bath in the upstairs tub (my first in over a year — bath, that is….not shower!) and recalled the time you were one or two years old and had a fever and I had to immerse you in the tub of cold water to bring your temperature down quickly. You were NOT happy, and neither was I. I’m so thankful you’ve grown into such a wonderful young woman….a bit older in a couple of weeks, though! Travel on in time and space….
Medora!!! We all miss you too, and – I know you already know this – but enjoy the incredible and amazing adventures that you’re having while you can. These are wonderful opportunities that you have been fortunate enough to get, so take advantage of them!! We all love and miss you so much. Have a good time, and trek on!! (in the sunshine and your comfortable hammock)
Medora darling all I can say is that you are amazing…and as I follow your adventure I am inspired and you are teacher of life. Love you, Pam
another item…when we were in the airport in Guangzhou, coming home with Zoe, a Chinese lady came up to us, pointed at Zoe playing on the carpet, and said “baby not on floor”. The carpet looked relatively clean, but at that moment we heard a gurgling, scraping rumble and turned in time to see, perhaps 15 feet away, a mid-40-ish Chinese man working up a 4-day tar-and-nicotine oyster and with a casual turn of his head eject the aforementioned semi-gelatinous mass onto the carpet…same carpet where Zoe was playing. Becca and I decided that this was probably the beginning of the Chinese version of “The Blob”, so we fled the contaminated area, and took turns keeping Zoe either on her feet or in a chair.
We burned our shoes when we got home…
I love you honey.
I have a little girl-elephant-eagle that is wanting to talk with Dory.
Skype soon?
Enjoy the peace in knowing we are here for you, as they are there for you. What has bothered me in other countries from other cultures are things I was taught were wrong; but are they wrong or just different? You are never alone. Wander on little butterfly. You can always come home.