My return to Ontario (twice)

So, as promised - note there are no longer time-sensitive promises in my posts - random comments on various topics.

#1 - returning to Ontario after years overseas...
There is always the flood of relief at feeling totally in control of your surroundings, comfort with people and scenery reacting exactly as anticipated, and joy at discovering forgotten pleasures or indulging awaited ones. This return was, however, different, as it involved long term planning, and the possibility of permanance. (Well, the scond return did, the first was more like a regular visit.) I have spent 10 weeks now, reflecting on my future. The struggle is this - relief work is tiring, often unrewarding, very lonely, and thrilling to no end. Staying at home is more expensive, not so lonely, unrewarding, and boring to no end. I decided that as long as there was a dilemma with no clear solution, it was best to keep happy those who love me most, and stay near them. This pessimistic view of life at "home" has not made it easier.

On top of this, there is the expected, but never predictable shift in relationships that takes place when time and space separate the related. So, I miss my new friends, bonds forged in the fires of trial and hardship while overseas. My friends in Canada are no longer all in Canada, and are certainly at a different stage than when I left them, as they should be.

Perhaps the most obvious thing to others, but surprising to me, is the changes in me. I view Ontario, and my home towns and communities in a different light now, because I am a different man - more aware of my surroundings, colder and less receptive, certainly less naive and less interested in the lives of bystanders. I guess living in Asian metropolises desensitizes you a bit to the "unwashed masses". In general, I have spent my time working seven days almost every week in October and November, between two low-income jobs, because it's better than having nothing to do (although less lucrative than the latter option.)

That is my posted take on Ontarian life. Oh, and it's cold a lot here. I forgot how much I dislike cold.

3 months, 3 days, 3 continents

It has been 3 months and 3 days since my last post, and there's so much to say. For those of you I haven't visited in that time, I apologize, because there's not many I've missed. Future posts will cover Ontario on my return, Europe, UK, Ethan's wedding, high school reunions and the connected realization of age, my second Canadian return, reflections on Indonesia, and more. I also plan to connect some sort of photo page. For now, I am in Guelph again, I have a job at a local bistro, and I bought a car. Thanks to Katharina, Daniel, Bea for German accomodation, Christine for English accomodation and the Gilbrooks for a great dinner party, and to Anie and the RVA96 crew for a great reunion, and John for the car.

If you're still reading this, post a comment to say hi.

Chris

Winding Down

Well, I arrived back in Medan today after a few days in Penang, Malaysia. I have fallen in love with the charm of that island city, beautiful, quiet, relaxing and modern. This can be added to Singapore and Boston as places Chris would like to live.

It was good to get away for a few days, and say goodbye to some close friends I won't see again. It was also good to have days off for sleeping, because I was up so late watching soccer. Late matches start at 2 or 3 am here.

On Monday I go back to Nias for the last time - I will be leaving for good on July 4. It's starting to begin the end - I was at my last manager meeting today. I have my ticket in hand. I'm spending my last days in Medan this weekend. I might begin to miss it soon!

That's all for now.