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 