Last night, as I lay in my fetid tent, staring at the mesh ceiling and wishing for a breeze-homesickness came. It descended on me like a thick blanket on a hot night that I couldn’t shrug off. A most unpleasant feeling.
Maybe it is because of the communities of people I encounter in every town, gathering together and playing. They swim, play cards, barbecue, dance and laugh. I miss my friends.
Maybe it is because the climate here is challenging and the heat, sun and barbed growth are not welcoming to my New England skin. I hear there is deep snow in Maine, and icy winds. That sounds like a balm.
Maybe it is because of my language barrier, I feel like I am on a monastic voyage-similar to what a solo at Outward Bound is like, but longer. I am in my head when I bike, when I land and when I try to rest. This blog is the most talking I do-beyond logistical and surface Spanish chat. Thank you for letting me blab on-it is cathartic.
Maybe it is because when I called home last night, my family was together, playing a silly game called “Poetry for Neanderthals” that involves bopping each other on the head with a blow-up baseball bat. I heard my youngest child Oakley call out “Hi, Mom!” and my eldest son’s partner say,
“Tell her that I am 18 weeks pregnant now!”
I told this son on the phone that I was homesick, he just said “I know.” Of course they know. Maybe I just miss touch.
Well, don’t cry for me Argentina, it is just homesickness and all part of the journey. I know it doesn’t mean anything is wrong-it is just uncomfortable. I will get home again, I just need to cross those Andes first.
I started climbing today. Day one of a long, slow upward pedal that will take me up to 12,000 feet over the next five days. I hear there is snow up there-so maybe it will feel like home.
Leah. You posted a photo of a tarantula with the caption, “It got me.” Quite a hook.
Five days seem short unless you’re climbing the Andes! I trust you to be sensible and do what you gotta do.
Hang in there Leah! You are in the midst of some good ole’ type 2 fun right now. Well, you might be deeper in type 2 climbing the Andes. But it will be an adventure you remember forever. Try to enjoy it in the moment too! From what you have posted you are adapting well. You are an inspiration to us all to do something uncomfortable. (He says while contemplating which all inclusive resort in Punta Cana it will be this year)
Yes, it is snowing here. Cars sliding off the road and into other cars. Good old Maine winter weather.
Leah, thanks for sharing your personal and emotionally beautiful feelings about being homesick. That part of the journey was so real, that beginning your ascent of the Andes, almost seems like an aside. I admire how you are keeping it all in perspective. Good luck with your next phase of the journey. Enjoy the cooler temps. Buen Camino! -Steve
I’m hoping you can sneak a bottle of oxygen into one of those panniers for that jaunt up to 12,000 feet. I guess you won’t be up there long. But I hadn’t thought about the altitude itself, only the climb.
well, I’m homesick for you, too. I see a light at the end of the Andes, though, but such a trek. Be kind to yourself.
Howdy, Leah! You continue to inspire us and hold our breath too! 🙂
Best of strength and luck as you climb the mountains, wow!!
Love the pics and the puppy pile 🙂
We’re egging & cheering you on!
Nancy, Scott and Bowie all flatlanders today
Aww I can’t wait to hear the stories in real life. Grind up hill then soar down.
Love,
Shanna
I’m so excited to hear about your ascent into the Andes! I’m often homesick even when I”m away from my kids and dogs for a few days. I can only imagine how you’re feeling. Proud of you Leah! What an adventure. And don’t worry! There will be plenty of winter left for you when you return!
It’s hard to be on a long trip and feel homesick… good you could call home and hear your family’s voices! (Next best thing to being there!). Hope you will be ok in the snowy mountains and warm enough!! I’m sure it will be a nice change from the heat you’ve been slogging thru!
Remember that we’re all along for the ride too, Leah! I look forward to your post each day.
Let your accomplishments of this epic ride be your strength! You are experiencing the world at its’ raw self; at a perspective few encounter. The depths of your fleeting sadness makes the ultimate, soulful joy so much sweeter. You will never be “there” again. You will make it! There are plenty of people reading that support you. It also sounds there are plenty of people you are meeting that offer support too.
Hang in there and try to enjoy those beautiful mountain views.
much love sent your way!
judi
You conwtinue to amaze with your determination, your tenacity, your strength…and the beauty of your language. I’m right there with you, feeling the tightening breath, the aches in my bottom and my burning thighs. You must keep going; you must reach the Andes peak and your readers will rejoice and sing hallelujahs of triumph to you when this great journey is complete! Be safe; be cautious; be happy!
God speed; God bless!
Sounds as though you are ready for a few dips in one of those hot springs you seem to find and then a good, quiet night’s rest in a motel with a wake-up shower. AND, does day 18 of your marvelous but exhausting trip mean that you are more than half way through?
What are those bugs that you have discovered on the roads, hairy spiders? I tried enlarging them and they look like pipe cleaners. Oh, the stories you have to tell!
I assume that after you reach 12,000 feet that you get to go down.
The positive side of homesickness is that you have all those family and friends to miss and who miss you.
Buen Camino my friend. Think of the joy ride down.
Pilots have to go on oxygen after 30 minutes at 12,500 ft and they’re just sitting. You’re cranking without high altitude training. Rest breaks!
Waves of homesickness are not uncommon for all of us travelers in this life. Nostalgia is just owning the sense that what we left behind really did and still does mean a lot to us. Life is precious and so is the gift of being aware of our blessings, in the past and in the moment. sometimes we have to be far away to know this. But you are heading home, uphill but still in the right direction. Pedal on – Cheers!!
So much new… amazing… you got this big climb!!
Just because you are a strong, amazing woman doesn’t mean that you have to be strong 100% of the time of course you’re homesick, and it will be absolutely amazing when you get home to renew the joy of family. And what a huge accomplishment grandma, you will have to offer to your coming grandchild! I know I just met my first and only grandchild for the first time. Amazing joy.