May 2009

I find myself back on home turf after 10 months. Before departing the warmth (ok, the extreme heat) and the homely noises (ok, the crazy traffic) I made a mental list of the things that would seem strange to me being in the Western, English-speaking, and somewhat "civilised" country of Australia.

None of the things on my list really occured. I thought that I would be "SHOCKED" by the quiet roads, "SHOCKED" by the presence of structured road rules, "SHOCKED" by the open space and gardens, and "SHOCKED" by the numerous white faces, blonde hair, and "fashionable fashion". I wasn't shocked, just adjusted. I slid back into routine on the first day but oh, after slicing with death crossing Camberwell Junction with no real worry about the traffic.

Everything is just normal. Vietnam feels normal, Australia feels normal. So where exactly is my home? Of course Melbourne is my home for life, where my family are, where my school friends are, where the familiar streets are; but I've found myself calling Vietnam, "my home". When I'm in Vietnam, Australia is "my home". My heart is in Melbourne, my heart is in Vietnam. Maybe little pieces of my heart will be scattered around the world, after I continue my travels and find myself in all sorts of cities.

I guess that question is made that smallest bit harder, when your family (the people you love forever) are in one country, and another person (who you fall in love with) is in another country. Then it's made even harder, when that person is from a totally different country alltogether.

Aaaaah.....such is life.

My time "back home" has been great. I've surprised my father at his door, seen friends I've been missing, and even met the daughter of my fruit and vegetables market retailer in Danang. I have had a ball being with my family, and really enjoyed cuddling my many pets.

Thursday night I depart this country with many random bits and pieces that I cannot buy in Vietnam, plus a few koala's and kangaroos. Let's hope my baggage isn't too overweight.

I am confident that my heart will lead me to another fantastic country, on another exhilirating adventure.

Love.
Cat.