Christmas in my thoughts

There is a two-week break from classes and those who can, it seems, have left town. Even my Turkish friends have left for the south and the beach, by car in their 4x4. Now that’s the way to go. There are certainly fewer 4x4s in town at the moment although the town centre is still very busy – the normal humdrum with moto-taxis whirring about everywhere. There was the first graduation ceremony for the university almost two weeks ago. My air conditioner in the office was and is still broken and before the ceremony, everyone was far too busy with whatever else. Then I fell sick, diarrhea and gastro problems and a week later, stultifying headache and then runny nose with a cold. Just run-down symptoms – really need a mental break.

Christmas is in my thoughts but not in the air. There is no outside sign of Christmas at all except at the hotels ¬- I spent a quiet hour in the garden of Porte Mayo last weekend and there, there was a tree. I still wish “bonnes fêtes” to everyone – “happy celebrations” because all can join in in sharing and in being together. New Year I’m told is party time so I’ll see what that holds. Just hoping to be with someone whose company one enjoys – friendship is a strange quality here where you are the outsider for most. There are those few here who are away from home, friends and family have any inkling of what distance and separation means. And families are big here and sufficient unto themselves from the forces without.

But let me tell you that the baker made some great croissants (French influence here means they have the know-how to do this well) and this is a nice way of sharing with those who have been particularly kind. I’m not up to cooking so Christmas eve I’ll go to Amos’ casual outdoor restaurant where the dishes have a European flavor and New Year’s eve, well that’s still a week away. For now, I’m simply looking forward to a break, letting go, swimming a bit and allowing time to roll on, slowly. I also look forward to catching up with my mail, and writing. I am thinking of you all, wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year 2011. Take care in your travels, relish the moments of joy and peace at home. I look forward to blogging again in January . . . (time of writing – 23rd December 2010).