The thing that is surprising about arriving in Kathmandu is how not surprising it feels. Being catapaulted from the broad, near empty streets of Broken Hill to the chaotic frenzy that is Kathmandu feels so…normal. And bizarrely, I am seeing similarities between the cities!  Crowds of kites languidly circling overhead; drivers following an idiosyncratic set of rules; pedestrians prone to unpredictable sauntering; dust filled air (perhaps the Broken Hill dust is a tad less toxic?) I was going to insert an apt quote from Alain de Botton but the internet here is so slow that I was going just a tad crazy so will keep it simple and direct, un-hyperlinked at this fragile point in travel equilbrium!

I am always glad to stop being in transit-to finish the journey between Oz and Birtamod. Lots going through my mind and always that low grade angst about things that come up. Hearing calls for planes, facing the Have you really been here that many times? looks.  Fortunately, all went reasonably smoothly- I didn’t oversleep in Singapore, and GF meals were blandly present. The presence of Olive Kitteridge with me on much of the journey meant that I was slightly in another place. This is an incredible book.  It was recommended to me by one of my two writer friends, Kate (whose website I will be able to link you too very soon!!! Read some wonderful writing from my other writer friend Deb here). She and I have been sharing our almost evangelical zeal about this book. Our almsot idolotrous worship of the writing skills of Elizabeth Strout.  I found it incredibly moving, searingly honest, acutely well observed, tragic, hopeful, overwhelming. It is still with me.  Loved it. Read it.  I hope to get her next book The Burgess Boys on my Kindle for the trip back. Kate summed it up when she described feeling bereft when she finished. And NO MUM, you can’t buy it before your birthday! Patience is a virtue.

Sage Bray of the Polymer Arts magazine has a blog that I enjoy!  (The Polymer Art magazine is great too) and I loved this poster she shared a while back! Very true I think. I will share this with the ladies in Birtamod when I arrive. Heading over there this afternoon.  Until next time, pheri betaunla.