Sunday, June 08, 2008

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.

16 comments:

Jewaira said...

Welcome back

Your holiday sounds wonderful

Anonymous said...

and i missed you..

Ri said...

J,

Thank you. It's good to be back. And yes, it was wonderful *kiss*

Anonymous,

No, you didn't. Focus.

Anonymous said...

That anonymous isn't me! It's another anonymous!

Ri said...

Both anonymouses,

Same family, same difference.

♀ L's brain ♀ said...

How fantastic to see you back! you have been missed :*

Congratulations on the baby :)

Did you notice how soft her feet are? It's almost as if you are touching nothing.

When you jumped, was it smooth landing or crash?

Ri said...

L,

I've missed you too, darling :*

It's funny you should say that about her feet. All the while I was carrying her, I always had one of her feet clasped in my hand. Sorta like when you let a baby grip your finger? Except this was the other way round, and on her foot :/

The landing was...slightly crashy. But it kinda worked itself out. I'm still glad I did it. It had to be done.

Anonymous said...

*demented gaze, arm raised*
"Hello!"
"Thank you."

We need more insane people on the streets.

Also, big-ass trees.

Helmets, anyone?

Ri said...

fang,

Also, less butterflies and more doggies.

PLZ I CAN HAS 1 TIYUR INSTED?

:*

Unknown said...

Welcome back! Was wondering where you ran off too. That sounds like a trip to heaven. Glad you enjoyed it so.

Ri said...

N,

Thank you. My trip was wonderful. I see you've been busy a-blogging. I'm trying hard to keep up.

Unknown said...

Actually I haven't been blogging as much as I used to. I suppose I have been, a little. Inspiration has been amiss.

Anonymous said...

i randomly check and see you are back!!!

WELCOME BACK! :D

Ri said...

Darling Dyke,

Yes and I was just thinking of posting again :D

You don't have to check randomly, you know.

GOOGLE READER!

Anonymous said...

*blushes deep red as she asks* what is google reader?

:P :P


am glad you're back!!

Anonymous said...

*glares at L* :P LOL

Ri you've been tagged!