As of today, there are only 38 days left in the TDA. The only reason why I know this is because I keep hearing so many people on the tour talking about it; counting down the days with great anticipation. With the obvious exception of wanting to see loved ones again, I just don’t get it!
Okay, I can understand not ever wanting to see another bowl of porridge or a peanut butter sandwich ever again, I can understand not wanting to reach for the shovel to go the bathroom, I understand fatigue, and I can even understand that living with 80 gassy people day in and day out will grate on anyone’s nerves. But, put that aside for a sec.
Today, like every other day since we started this tour, I woke up not knowing what I would see or what I would experience. I cycled through glorious, world class scenery: beautiful lush green plateaus, rolling hills, and cool little one-street villages with music blaring from the storefronts. I saw people stop what they were doing, smile, wave and scream hello; one group of kids even sang a song for us as we passed. How awesome is that? Last night at camp, I saw what must have been 30 or 40 kids just screech out in glee because Chris (fellow rider) made them a soccer ball out of old tubes and tape…old tubes and tape!!! How could seeing someone so genuinely happy not be infectious? I admit, not everything we see here is beautiful or wonderful. Many things have made me sad, uncomfortable, even angry but all of it, good and bad, have left an imprint. Isn’t that the point?
A year ago today, I was sitting at my desk at work, miserable, contemplating gauging my eyes out so that I wouldn’t have to look at another line of code or bug list. I felt isolated from the rest of the world, and wished I was “out there”. Now I am here and everyday brings excitement, new adventures and new experiences. I am fully aware that I am being spoiled rotten cycling through Africa. Why would I want it to end????
Wow, that was quite the little rant wasn’t it? I sound angry…I’m not actually. These are just my personal thoughts on the matter. Okay…I’ve spent waaaaaaaay too long on the soap box…I’ll get down now. Sigh…I can tell already that I’m going to be one miserable, cranky gal when we get back to reality. My apologies in advance. 
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April 3rd, 2008 at 11:36 am
That is not a soap box at all! Most of us office dwelling trolls can learn a lot from what you are doing… taking each day as it is, taking BIG bites out of life and doing something interesting for the sake of the experience.
RANT ON! and enjoy every moment of your adventure!
April 18th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
“sitting at my desk at work, miserable, contemplating gauging my eyes out so that I wouldn’t have to look at another line of code or bug list”
Note: forward to Paul
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:41 am
Well you just summed it up here didn’t you… Getting sick, Broken bones… forget about it - forget about the ‘challanges’ - you are LIVING!!!