Why do people stand right up against the luggage belt? If everyone just waited back 3 feet, you could step up and grab your bag at any point, instead of having to race around looking for your own little free space.
At Dusseldorf airport, they have a line painted on the floor that we’re all meant to stand behind. Now that’s German engineering!
Dear Charles,
I woke to a very sad email this morning. One of the women in my writers group lost her husband to a heart attack. I gave her a call and was reminded of how useless words can be. They are too small to carry such a large emotion -the desire to make this moment be different for her. To do something when there is nothing to be done.
I feel very much like snuggling up with you right now. It’s 5am your time. The tennis players won’t have even started this early outside your window.
I know that life is about jumping in with both feet. But as I begin this new business, I wonder why anyone starts anything at all. Not because it may fail, but because it might not. And it will be so much harder to say goodbye to it later down the track.
This move to Sydney, I realize that I’ve held back a bit making friends. Not on purpose. But I think that part of me was thinking that if I didn’t make lots of friends, there would be fewer people to miss later. As I sit here today thinking of Fay, I can see that this strategy is completely flawed. I am heartbroken for her loss. I haven’t escaped at all.
Love, Emily
Dear Charles,
I love you very much but I’m not coming home.
Have decided to stay here and move in with Ramona & Nicholas. If you could meet Josephine, you would understand. 
She mostly speaks English (since she will learn French in school) except for a few words like cèst (what’s this?) and oui (yes). She has the most beautiful smile and little red curls.
Nicholas just got a haircut and apparently it’s too short because he has to keep a hat on or she’ll cry (so he says -it may just be his favourite hat).
When you come join me we can rent the flat that’s for rent down the street. The park is only a block away -perfect for running with our/their dog Lilly. And Ramona could teach you to make the pasta we had for dinner Wednesday night.
Last night I asked around and found a salmon dish -very few people in the shops speak English so thank god for the Little Mermaid soundtrack.
It’s taking all my will power not to buy several pairs of shoes and a new hat for the races -I know I don’t go to the races but with this new hat I would, I just know it.
Oh, I almost forgot, the students are on strike here as well and have taken to regularly blocking off the streets in and out of town. I passed a mob of them on my way back yesterday and they were pretty mellow. Not even chanting, just walking in large groups in protest. They don’t like a new labor law that’s been passed but also sounds like a case of the straw that broke the camel’s back.
It’s been so good to hang out with Ramona. I’m so aware of wanting to squeeze out every moment of the visit. And am reminded once again of the futility of trying. The good bits are the little quiet, everyday things like a cup of tea, a dog on the lap, or just sitting on the floor watching Josephine cross back and forth to her box of toys.
So I’m sure you understand and I’ll be expecting you shortly. Will have Nicholas prepare you a cup of his extra strong espresso to counteract your jet lag.
Much love,
Emile`
I can’t decide if this was brilliant or creepy. As I was sitting in the boarding area waiting for my flight out of Sydney, I received an SMS from my travel agent wishing me a great journey. If it was personally from him, from his phone, then it’s fantastic and a bit sweet. But if it’s from an automatic centralised database, it feels weird and salesy.
What do you think? Anyone have a thought?
