Adventures to the past

Dear Wilfred,

I went on an adventure. Though mired in family drama, the experience has truly given me a new perspective on life and specifically, the life that I am lucky to have.

We arrived and it felt like we had travelled into the past. A place where the buildings were crumbling and vacant, snow still on the mountain tops. A place where religion still reigns and gives people something to hold onto when they barely had enough to feed their children.

In the 2 hour drive into the mountains, I felt a sense of mystery and sadness. This place had been hacked to pieces, its wild life driven out all in the name of money. What sick creatures we humans are. 

I experienced rural living briefly, stray cats, long drop toilets and a classic wood fire oven with no running water. In the cities everything is covered in grime or graffiti. 

Among the grim surroundings, the people that I have met here are so bright. They smile, cause trouble, give all that they can to their families, live simply but honestly and passionately. I admire them for this. In a western mindset, one would not dream of having children in this state, but they welcome it. In a world with so little, a child is the only thing that gives so much joy. I had never thought of it like this before. 

The food is so rich that you can't eat too much, but so good that you don't want to stop eating. I think that you would have understood this place, somehow. Reminds me of what post war must have looked like.

Being frozen in time makes me appreciate the home I have, the money that I earn and the potential that we have to make this life an amazing one. I feel that the weight of my excuses has been lifted and I feel the possibilities of a bright future, settle.  

I formed new bonds and connections, that I feel will last a long time. Met a baby princess that is so loved by her beautiful family. I aspire to this level of love and tenderness. I am back home and this feeling of love is all that is left.

I hope that you could see it.

Love you,

A