It's been just over two weeks since I took a plane from Mumbai to London. I was expecting a bit of culture shock as well as the decompression from rich and varied months away but actually the weirdest adjustment was how late it stays light in London midsummer.
The long summer nights when everyone in England is milking the warmth and light that has been eagerly awaited all winter. Whilst I had just left India with the Monsoon at my tail. By contrast, their long-awaited relief from the heat and assurance that their crops will get the liquid nurturing they require for the cycle to continue.A fortnight later, I am now decompressing from a week in Somerset at the 40th anniversary of Glastonbury Festival. Another different world, albeit a temporary one. I remember thinking in Varanasi how it felt like a constant festival. So much celebration, so much music and ritual. The sounds of life coming from all directions, making you feel alive. Quite a different thing, but I experience the same sense of freedom and possibilities that inspire and excite. The trick is holding on to that inspiration when you get caught back up in 'normal' life.
So now what? I kept thinking I should at least write some kind of closing post to come to a conclusion, finish the story or at least let people know that they don't need to keep checking the blog to see where I am now... But I feel like the story has only just begun. Or maybe just the first chapter is done. Either way you look at it, I plan to return to Asia as soon as I can, which hopefully means some time in the Autumn.
(Of course this is all contingent on me magically gathering together some funds over the next few months. That said, if anyone has any work, any ideas or any money they want to point in my direction, feel free to get in touch!)
There is still so much I want to do and see. (I know there always will be as there is such a big world to explore, but one thing at a time). I definitely want to do more work with EWN and hope to do more mobile trainings in the other parts of the Karnali Zone, which would probably be next Spring. Ideally, the Winter months should find me exploring the South which was too hot to consider this trip round. And then there is the continuation of my original journey which took a few detours along the way and I daresay will take a few more when I finally pick it up again in Nepalganj and head to Manali. But that can wait til Summer.
And of course I have to go back and see all the friends I made along the way... as well as return to Darjeeling so I can finally see the views of Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world, which is supposedly in plain view - at least that is what was on the postcards. From these benches, behind the mist, there is a stunning mountain range, or so they say.
