Mayflower afternoons and starry nights

*stretch*

So, I'm back in Kuwait.

I was away for just twelve days, but it was a much needed break.

This holiday was...full.



They handed me my brand new niece and godchild a few days ago. I remember almost as clearly, the day they handed me her father like that, twenty one years ago.

She has long fingers and pretty feet.

You know how they say that sometimes, you have to jump off a cliff and build your wings on the way down? I jumped. We jumped. We just landed in different places. I still miss the morning crossword, though.

Back where I've returned from, lovely Mayflower trees in full bloom line the streets. Quiet, shaded lanes are carpeted in flowers. Sometimes, when the breeze picks up, the street comes alive in swirls of red and you can't help but smile as a stray raindrop trickles down your nose.

I've woken up in the morning to a cacophony of birdsong and fallen asleep to the sounds of crickets chirping in chorus.

I spent afternoons stretched out in the sunlight, drinking chilled beers in the company of good friends. I spent a quiet night, high above the city, stretched out on a deck chair in the moonlight, having conversations with a girl and blended Scotch whiskey.

I floated around in a pool shaded by a beautiful old tree and watched tiny bats swoop down for a split-second drink of water at dusk.

I ate with my fingers, met good people, smiled at strangers, played with stray dogs, walked in the rain and kissed my grandmother.

Yes, this holiday was full.