Kuwait. Wait, I recognise you!

Here I am, back in the land of sand, or dust and heat. Thankfully it has mostly been the dry heat, that even at 47 degrees Celsius is bearable. Even in the dark, something you forget about, your body gets a slight shock when you walk into the hot night.

The days have passed quickly. With meetings and greetings and lots of unpacking.

My memories of my past life here are now in colour. I turn every corner thinking I will hear familiar voices and expecting to see friendly faces, but only a few remain. The other night I went to a party being held in a building that my dear friend used to live in. A lump was stuck in my throat when I saw her name on the door, but she left years ago, during the same exodus I took part in.

I am a 'newbie' again. We travel en masse; a large group with straight hair and high pitched voices, demanding attention and needing constant reassurance. Walking in their very shiny, high heeled shoes, buying like there is no tomorrow. Racing to be the 'first'. The 'first' to make friends, the 'first' to get the Internet (by the way, I haven't got my Internet sorted yet, but once I do, I will be in touch more regularly!), the 'first' to join a gym, the 'first' to have their classroom ready. I am at the back of the pack...my shoes and clothes are a little more worn, but I am just as eager to make a good impression in this cut throat environment.

My return has given some 'long timers' a bit of a shock. They realise that in the three years I have been in Africa, they have been here, getting older. Richer too. But older.

Money. A reason why we are all here. A reason, we are reminded of daily, why we are lucky to have been 'chosen' to be here. Well, I have obviously not come for the scenery!

I am trying to stay positive about my return. It is a paradise really!

PS-  I hope you are well! Email me! x