Letter to Students 11 June 2008

Dear Reader

I was so upset when I lost two hours of writing on the plane that I have not taken this small computer out of its bag. It was my folly to buy it as it is of  not good quality, and proved it when it did not save all my thoughts, but left my words in the ether somewhere in flight. I usually only buy quality, and this computer is a good reminder for me that you should never compromise quality.

The last piece of writing is a mere vague memory, and so much has happened that the mist of time has shrouded the sharp edges of my thoughts.  I know that I added pieces to my last letter, and embellished my observations. We are now half way through our travels, and I feel so filled with a wide range of emotions. I have a glass of French wine on my train table, and the sun is pouring in as we head towards Han's homeland where he hasn't been for forty eight years. I am so excited for him, although he has found it very hard to leave his family base in Portobello. I could sense his excitement as he heard his native language being spoken on the train, and he has gained in confidence as his native land draws close. I have just shed a tear as I sense Han's excitement as he comments on the lowland which looks so like the land he described to me from his childhood. Han has felt panic attacks as we have gone through border controls when he could not understand the language, although we had nothing to declare.  The sweat ran down his back in such countries as in Japan and negotiating the subways in Paris, but now he is on the way to his home, he is totally in control.  We humans only feel fear when we feel we have no control.

Having just left France, we have been left with space in which to reflect on our time there.  Memories of the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior and the arrogance with which this was carried out were not erased, but were instead layered with the special knowledge that so many French people are just like us! As much as we Kiwis feel that we live in a stunningly beautiful country, we have to acknowledge that we have inherited the beauty which comes from the spectacular mountains and coast line, but we are missing the deep thread of history which intertwines communities in Europe.  The graffiti is a form of expression which binds all countries, and we are amazed how much graffiti fills the walls leading up to train stations.

The weather in England was not great, but it did not dampen our spirits which were high as we joined of celebration leading up to our second son's wedding in Lavernham. The same rain which fell on the wedding day fell for our last days in Japan, but again we were buoyed by the spirit of the place. I feel that I have already told you this, as it was in my  last long letter, but I am now happy to recall the events of that special time, and commit them to the written word.

We have just arrived in Rotterdam, and we will arrive in Amsterdam in one hour.  It is like a dream, and I have felt the same in all the places we have visited.  I will close now, hoping that life is rich and you are enjoying each precious day.

Love

Sharron