I'm coming home

It is hard to believe that I am nearly home after a 14 week stint abroad. Really, I have only spent four weeks at home since I first departed nine months ago. The intention of this journey did not go to plan at all, however amongst the chaos and the tears, miracles prevailed. 

I learnt that sometimes you have to experience what you don't want in your life to realise and appreciate what you do. I have felt so defeated that getting back up has seemed an impossible feat, but I did it. I have met strangers from all corners of the earth who have become family. They have made me laugh so hard that I have cried. I have been hurt, insulted, and ripped off but have had new experiences, immersed myself in different cultures and created memories which you could put no value on. 

I have exceeded my perceived physical, psychological, and emotional limits. I have felt a sense of appreciation for home which I have not felt before. I have learnt difficult lessons and attained invaluable wisdom. I value the unnerving vision of those who I meet for the first time but can read into my soul. Meeting any situation with kindness and compassion will work in your favour over anger. Light drives out darkness and love drives out hate. You can run but you can't hide, your health will follow you everywhere. Take care of your body and your body will take care of you. 

I won't stop following my dream, if every person gave up after their first attempt then there would be few successful people in the world. However, though my first diving job did not work out, life worked out. I am coming home with a full heart and an overwhelming love and appreciation for my family, my friends, and most importantly myself xx

Goodbye Africa hello Greece

After enjoying the last days by the beach in Essaouira, it was time to suck it up and head back to the big smoke. We caught a 3 hour morning bus to Marrakech where we checked back into the gorgeous Equity Point hostel. 

We each dropped off like flies, Nat leaving after the first night, Tess after the second and me after the third. Most of my time was spent lazing around the hostel with a couple of hours each day spent shopping. Unfortunately shopping was such a painful experience but I dedicated enough time to buy a few pieces before leaving. A place with so many wonderful shops and markets to wonder through, however the forceful nature of the keepers and he harassment on the street just made it a nightmare to go anywhere. Even if you ditched the leisurely stroll and would race through the labyrinth streets in a mission to buy some food, you were still stopped or yelled at "where are you running to, why the rush, do you need help, hey sexy I love you, slow down come into my shop..." So many times I just wanted to yell "SHUT UUUUUP" at the top of my lungs. It was exhausting, two hours was stretching the patience limit each time, but sometimes after just taking a few paces into the medina you starting to creep backwards to the hostel safety and calm.

On my last day I enjoyed a relaxing Haman and waited out the day until my late evening flight. Once I arrived at Marrakech airport, I already felt the transition into some sort of normality. It was a relief to be on the aeroplane, and even more to arrive at Barcelona airport. At 2am McDonalds was the only place open, so I shoved in a cheeseburger before trying to get a couple of hours sleep before my flight on the airport floor. Come 6am, the airport stores were beginning to open up and the place was filling with travellers, I could feel the eyes peering upon my faetal position body so I picked myself up off the cold tiles and wondered around for the next couple of hours until my 10am flight. I was so tired but the excitement of seeing loved ones on the other side kept me going.

Following a safe and smooth landing, it was a quick collection of luggage and a race outside to meet my friends. The weather was cool with a flow of wind, weather I hadn't experienced in months, It was so refreshing. 

Alex and dim (and Ralphy) welcomed me back into their home with open arms and big hearts. It was such a pleasure to be back and to settle in to the comforts of a home environment. The next 36 hours I barely moved from the couch. Movies, naps and cuddles with Ralphy were all I wanted and all I needed. Everything over the past few days let alone months seemed to catch up to me and I was shattered. 

This morning I woke early which I was not used to at all. I accompanied Al to her photoshoot and enjoyed watching the hustle and bustle of the make up artists, hairstylists, photographers and models. I was absolutely flattered when I was asked if I was one of he models, (though it was asked with a tilted head and slightly confused face). I pottered around again being asked if I was one of the make up artists or one of the crew... Sorry guys, just part of the entourage. Thankfully they were not all Greek and some spoke English, so I spent most of the day chatting and laughing away with one of the boys. I haven't had a bro to bounce off for months, so it was great to have a homeboy for a day. GOOD energy!

I was to terrified to move about the place in fear of tripping over a hair dryer cord which would then create some animated domino affect in breaking a table, crashing the light stand, and setting the studio on fire. Imagine.

Come mid afternoon and I hit a wall, ready for my afternoon siesta and cuddles on the couch from my cuddly pooch friend. Me and Al wondered through the Main Street of Athens before stopping at a cafe for an orange juice and a long await chat... So much to talk about, one week - such little time.

In the evening it was a friends birthday. One of Dim and Al's who was so kind to spend my birthday in Greece with me so it was wonderful to celebrate hers. We snuck into her apartment with friends while her boyfriend took her out - a classic suprise party with delicious food and laughs. She was so pleased to see me and it made it all worth it.

One week ahead in Athens with the most beautiful company makes me so content. A delightful way to draw end to a crazy adventure through Europe and Africa, all the while I had intended to be diving... Sometimes we consider that we have been thrown off our path, but really, you have to understand that this is the path, you are always where you are meant to be.

Love and light, Kass xx