Home Coming

“Find someone who makes you realize three things: one, that home is not a place, but a feeling. Two, that time is not measured by a clock, but by moments. And three, that heartbeats are not heard, but felt and shared.“

“Coming home to someone is many things. It is a literal action, an abstract idea, a physical feeling. It is more than the sound of the key turning in the door and the voice that calls from the porch. It is a choice, a promise, a declaration. It is a return, not as a person to a place, but as oneself to another. It is one individual saying to another: ‘You are the one I choose’.“

— via the internet

“Everybody has a home team: It’s the people you call when you get a flat tire or when something terrible happens. It’s the people who, near or far, know everything that’s wrong with you and love you anyways. These are the ones who tell you their secrets, who get themselves a glass of water without asking when they’re at your house. These are the people who cry when you cry. These are your people, your middle-of-the-night, no-matter-what people.”

— Shauna Niequist

This day was splendid. Thank you to the person who helped make it incredible just by being there.

What a relief to have gotten through the week.

Paris was amazing (!) but I am glad to be home, safe and sound once more. Anyone in my circle would know that the lead up to this trip in particular was not the easiest – even for a seasoned traveller like myself – some fear and unease – but everything turned out ok. Better than ok.

Our doorman was so excited to see me we walked upstairs together as he told me of his holiday in Sumatra. We spoke of coffee and Morocco. It was like seeing an old friend, the exchange was so animated and warm. The chambermaid and I shared a laugh. The kitchen knew I wanted an earl grey tea with milk, two pieces of toast and scrambled eggs before I asked. And concierge said, “Welcome home.”

Strange isn’t it. It’s not reality and yet, it very much is. And we as human beings, for all our love of exploring, want to return to something familiar.

And at the show, I found my old pal, Vincenzo whom I haven’t seen since he moved to Hong Kong to edit a magazine. He picked me up and I dangled there in front of all those journalists. They must have thought we were crazy, seeing us talk with out hands and at 100 km/h but that’s how you are with old friends.

The last day saw me take lunch at Le Souffle (a camembert & caramelised apple souffle). The lovely French dame next to me tapped me on the arm as I read the menu. “Try the Grand Marnier crepes. It’s delicious.” Just one of a few great encounters during this trip, all good for the soul.

It’s rather late and I should be asleep but while I am a zombie battling chronic jetlag now thanks to having worked two time zones, I’m safe and well. The news I returned to however, was not.

My prayers go out tonight to the missing Malaysian Airlines flight, for all its passengers, crew and their loved ones. Lord, a miracle please. Send light to all who are in this dark hour.

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