All of these photos were taken today, 17th December 2022 in a period of 6 hours, yes, really.
The past two weeks have been challenging, with severe gusts and torrential downpours bringing my awning down four times. Once at 4:30 am !! I have reinforced the awning with fibreglass rods and telescopic brooms. The manufacturers tell me the awning is not designed for permanent living, sigh! Upside? Some nights the low is 18 degrees.
“EXCUSE ME ……”
Flavia, the silk jewellery designer, very kindly invited me to dinner in Loule after a tour of her workshop. Then, to the Conservatoire for an improv jazz concert by a Greek quartet, where we were joined by Joana (read back) and four Aussie immigrants. Different!! Thank you, Flavia.
Living in the camp, constantly meeting new people, feels more like a fantasy than a “normal” life. I have the sensation of stepping outside reality, and it is not unpleasant, and I don’t have time to be lonely.
“WATCHING A TENNIS MATCH …”
Marcus and Sandra, my gym buddies, have gone home to Germany for Christmas and will return in two weeks. Thank you for the book, Marcus.
Ben and his family from my village, Moone, have arrived for a 3-week stay, so I am very pleased to see them.
Last night, 8 of us dined together in the camp and tomorrow we go to the marina in Lagos to watch the final in a restaurant.
What is magical about my situation, is that at any time, in any weather condition, I can drive 5 minutes to a coffee shop and stare quietly and calmly at an ocean that is never the same, yet always brings peace and soothing.
I listen to an Audible book or plan my next chapters in a wire-bound notebook. Occasionally someone from Turiscampo passes by and we greet each other, more deeply, since we are all on similar missions.
It doesn’t banish my pain of loss but adds strength to my body and mind.