5 Things: Week 4.5
1. This week, I was finally able to experience my first Bon Appetour session. Geordon and I both agreed, it was exactly what was needed. A quiet, warm, and friendly night in someone’s home – eating hand cooked food and sitting around the kitchen table talking about our families. Shamini was a magnificent host, and it hit me – I think a big part of why this month has been more of a struggle for me than expected is that I haven’t cooked at all. I haven’t bought a single batch of groceries. I’m aching for that – to chop and stir, smell and season.
2. The first presidential debate happened Tuesday morning here in KL, and I coordinated a few people to watch a projection of it in the workspace. I was one of the few that stayed in the room throughout. It was so strange. Infuriating, funny, terrifying, and sad. I’ve seen my feelings echoed in a post that’s floating around the internet – how Hillary deserved better. She is a smart, hardworking, thoughtful public servant/politician, and her opponent is a buffoon. We’re all doomed if he is elected. She’s not a saint, but the President shouldn’t be. On behalf of overachieving women everywhere, I am thrilled for what will come of her leadership.
3. Much like our few days in the Cameron Highlands – our going away party in the jungle was a welcome reminder of how much I need untouched wild space, overgrown foliage – mountains and stark rockfaces. We were in a container hotel nestled next to a pond with a waterfall, tons of banana trees to entertain the monkeys. What a joy to lounge in a salt water infinity pool and gaze up at striking limestone karsts so much like the ones in Bai Tu Long Bay, Vietnam.
4. As soon as we returned from the Jungle, I showered, and parked myself in bed. It’s been twelve hours and I’ve barely moved since. I had no idea how much I needed this, and then I actually thought about it – it’s probably been a good two months since I’ve had a day alone. A lazy day where I don’t need to worry about pushing myself, but just being. I’ve had a real problem with just being this month, it’s clear that I’m not comfortable yet. I think more time to myself will help fix that.
5. Over the last couple of days, I’ve realized there are some really shady characters on this trip. People who use and abuse others – whether out of insecurity, control issues, or boredom, it doesn’t matter. I’m on my guard now, going to be sure to steer well clear of some.