Canberra #2
Just got back from a beautiful sunrise 5k in Canberra. I took off from N&Ps house again today and found a beautiful bike path surrounded on both sides by trees, flowers, and beautiful houses. I saw so many rabbits, some magpies, and even two red and blue parrots!
As I was running, I was mostly reminding myself to keep left and to look right before looking left when crossing the streets. I feel like this is a pretty good example of how mentally exhausting it can be to be in a different culture, especially one that's so similar to your own. So much energy spent paying attention to things that others don't even think about.
I was also thinking about how grateful I am to N&P for letting me stay in their beautiful house. I am so happy here and they are so kind. I also spent some time being grateful to Grace, who saved me but packing me a mosquito net last minute as I forgot mine in the closet! This year I'm bringing a special pop-up style mosquito "tent", complete with a floor and zippered openings. While mosquitoes are of course the most dangerous animals in Limol (with the potential to transmit malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, typhoid, and more), the critters that really debilitate me are he palm sized spiders that live in the house. I know that I will be able to sleep better in this wonderful tent and I owe Grace big time! She is my savior in the village - I don't know what I would do without her - so while I'm not surprised, I am grateful.
I was feeling pretty good this morning. A little hungry because I fell asleep straight after yesterday's afternoon run and didn't wake up until 3:00 this morning. I'm sad to have missed Lauren's farewell party last night - but we will be spending a lot of time together over the next two weeks and I was basically non-functional. Hopefully, I will get to see her today.
I was also feeling really grateful this morning that A got a job last week! I'm so so so proud of him but mostly just happy for him because I think this will really turn around his spirits and of course our financial situation. With that settled, I'm going to register for some conferences that I'll be presenting at this November/December and won't feel too bad about the cost.
Today I'm going to pick up some last minute toiletries and hopefully find a new stuffed animal friend since I managed to forget Walter this year. I'm hoping for an Australian dingo! I also will be printing out a letter from Diana and downloading some more reading on vowel harmony, reduplication, and nasals for my dissertation literature review!
Until next time,
Kate
As I was running, I was mostly reminding myself to keep left and to look right before looking left when crossing the streets. I feel like this is a pretty good example of how mentally exhausting it can be to be in a different culture, especially one that's so similar to your own. So much energy spent paying attention to things that others don't even think about.
I was also thinking about how grateful I am to N&P for letting me stay in their beautiful house. I am so happy here and they are so kind. I also spent some time being grateful to Grace, who saved me but packing me a mosquito net last minute as I forgot mine in the closet! This year I'm bringing a special pop-up style mosquito "tent", complete with a floor and zippered openings. While mosquitoes are of course the most dangerous animals in Limol (with the potential to transmit malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, typhoid, and more), the critters that really debilitate me are he palm sized spiders that live in the house. I know that I will be able to sleep better in this wonderful tent and I owe Grace big time! She is my savior in the village - I don't know what I would do without her - so while I'm not surprised, I am grateful.
I was feeling pretty good this morning. A little hungry because I fell asleep straight after yesterday's afternoon run and didn't wake up until 3:00 this morning. I'm sad to have missed Lauren's farewell party last night - but we will be spending a lot of time together over the next two weeks and I was basically non-functional. Hopefully, I will get to see her today.
I was also feeling really grateful this morning that A got a job last week! I'm so so so proud of him but mostly just happy for him because I think this will really turn around his spirits and of course our financial situation. With that settled, I'm going to register for some conferences that I'll be presenting at this November/December and won't feel too bad about the cost.
Today I'm going to pick up some last minute toiletries and hopefully find a new stuffed animal friend since I managed to forget Walter this year. I'm hoping for an Australian dingo! I also will be printing out a letter from Diana and downloading some more reading on vowel harmony, reduplication, and nasals for my dissertation literature review!
Until next time,
Kate
Lovely! What sort of differences strike you most in Australia (besides the rabbits!)?
ReplyDeleteThe landscape is very different and the language is very striking too. I feel like aboriginal culture is more salient, on street signs and museum exhibitions. The city of Canberra is the capital, but it's not urban. So many wild parks and preserves. It's beautiful!
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