Last time I stood in the security line at JFK I was trembling. From excitement, from anxiety, from minor heartbreak, and the general overwhelmingness of truly and actually doing it, of leaving it all behind and leaping into the unknown.
This time wasn't so much a metaphorical leap as a metaphorical post-Christmas jog, heavily plodding towards an apartment with an uncomfortable couch and weird smells from the pipes and squeaky closet doors.
This time, after a beautiful, rejuvenating, soul-nurturing trip back to the States for the holidays, I was leaving home to go back to a different home - a known one, but whose homy-ness is still under development. Instead of embarking on an adventure into the unknown, I knew exactly where I was going... Sector Carolina, on Amazonas avenue near the mall El Jardin. (The building next to the dog that barks incessantly early in the morning, every morning.) This time was both less exciting and less nerve-wracking. I knew how to fill out the customs forms. I knew how to give directions in the taxi. I waved hello to the sleepy guard sitting the night shift in front of my building. I know what my classroom will look like when I return to it on Monday, and what my schedule will be, and who my students are and the quirks my co-workers have.
It's hard to put my finger on exactly how it feels to be coming home to a place that has been my home for such a relatively short time.
Certainly, my vacation reminded me what I love about New York/Philadelphia/the East Coast/the United States. First and foremost my family and friends. But also bagels with lox. And grabbing a slice of pizza. And over-the-top Christmas lights on every block. Efficient, reliable and relatively uncrowded public transportation. Nail salons with fancy massage chairs. The ready availability of delicious and diverse and easily accessible foods on every corner. Pedestrian crosswalks that are prolific and located in logical, convenient places and that are, well, easy to cross. And the affordability and familiarity of brands of certain products, like deodorant, face lotion, whiskey, shoes. Things I didn't know I'd be missing. And the freedom to walk around whenever - early morning, late at night, and knowing that I look like I belong, I don't stick out, and I'm not any more of a target that anyone else. Being away has taught me to appreciate these things more deeply than I ever did before.
Then again, I was verbally harassed by a stranger within minutes of stepping out of the airport in NY (home sweet #%& home) and that hasn't happened to me at all here in Ecuador. And I was also reminded that people in New York, true to their stereotype, often can be aloof, or rude, or both at the same time. Then there are the panic-inducing crowds if you accidentally stray into a tourist area, especially during the holiday season. And I had just a hint of a reminder about what the weather can be like in winter, which is to say, unpleasant. And of course I also remembered how expensive it is to eat out, or to do just about anything in New York. Also, Donald Trump.
Here in Ecuador, it's a beautiful day. A sunny 66 degrees. The birds are singing, as they do every day. Pichincha mountain is standing sentry outside my window, green and lush as always. I came home to an apartment that is spotless (for now) because I can afford to have a cleaning guy here. And I have a lot to look forward to this year... a mid-winter barbecue in Parque Metropolitano (because we can), Galapagos in February, Machu Picchu in March, a visit from friends in April and family in June. And as hard as it always is to transition from full-time leisure back to full-time work, I have to admit that I am also looking forward to seeing my students' goofy smiles, hearing their stories and climbing back up to the helm of the ship that is 5A International.
xxxooo!
ReplyDelete