On going home......

Normally at this time of the year, we are in India. The preparations begin from September - buying tickets, gifts to take, informing people at home our dates, etc. In the last week prior to the holiday, trying to finish everything in the fridge so it can be turned off for a month. Making a list before I pack, and then packing strictly by the list. Making another list for things to do and get. Mostly I stock up on books for kids, eatables one does not get here.

(One funny thing about the way we have travelled is - I carry my passports and the kids' and the husband carries his. Of course, we are family travelling together.)

My heart is singing, there is this palpable excitement for me - one of freedom -  in various forms. Not that I live bound in chains here, but for me it is the ultimate freedom to be able to just jump into an auto/taxi and get to places. Not to worry about the weather and having to wrestle on and off 3 layers of clothes when you go shopping for clothes!!  Being with family, the glorious break from kitchen duty and house-keeping. Not being the first person to stroke the kitchen fire (well, actually just turn on the hotplate and put up tea) and the person who goes around putting the wi-fi off and setting the cushions right for the next day, tripping over toys and books,etc.

Of being treated like a long-lost child needs some getting used to, and when they want to just sit and see the grandchildren play? So you can slip away unnoticed to relish the freedom of just being for yourself. Of getting up in the morning listening to your parents talking? I've been meaning to record this .........Yes, there is the food, the sun, the language, sounds of home etc but more than that I feel belonged, unconditional acceptance.

I get a chance to nourish my weary soul to a robust, happier and content one, remove the the grime and grist that long distance relating can sometimes do to relationships. For me, being connected is important with family, extended family and friends, and I try to maintain equilibrium. So for that reason, I used to split my stay equally at both the places. The time in that one month is but racing. Soon it's time to say good bye. My last few days are very emotional, I am really bad with goodbyes. In the journey back, I have conditioned myself to accepting that this is how it is to be. There are some happy moments and some mixed ones,  too. This keeps me fuelled till the next time. Only this year it's going to be 1.5 years and that's a bit too long.

This time we had two weeks of school holiday and the weather has never let up - grey, overcast, rainy. It can really get to you. And I am really happy that tomorrow onwards normal life is to resume - school, language classes, et al. And the forecast from Wednesday looks brighter.

Comments

  1. Unknown7 January 2013 at 00:33

    It's always nice to be with family! We too have to split our time between 2 cities whenever we visit though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chatty Wren7 January 2013 at 11:24

      I know, it's fun and a bit of a chore too - to pack in the middle of a holiday:)

      Delete
  2. Aparna7 January 2013 at 02:29

    Waking up to the sound of your parents talking...I can so understand that. For the longest time, it was also sleeping to the sound of my parents talking before they turned in..the most soothing thing ever.
    The one and only time I came back to India from abroad (yes we only made 1 trip back when we stayed in the US for 4 years, and that was for good!)...I felt the same way...unbridled freedom in so many things.
    So are you planning a summer trip now?
    My kids still have their winter hols until sankranti. Our weather has been dreary and miserable too and has reached 1 zero degree minimum in NCR. Aooarently that last happened in delhi in 1935!
    Congrats on getting back to the routine :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chatty Wren7 January 2013 at 11:28

      Yes, we are planning July-Aug, unless my brother decides to get married before that:)) Can't miss that one. I know, Delhi is freezing now, we have 8 or 9 degrees here, relatively warm:) Great to get back to a schedule, too much of holidays and all that....

      Delete
    2. Aparna7 January 2013 at 14:36

      8 or 9deg? I thought belgium was a lot colder than that!!

      Delete
    3. Chatty Wren7 January 2013 at 16:34

      on the plus side and 4-5 degrees on the minimum.

      Delete
  3. Anonymous7 January 2013 at 03:45

    ah, I can so so relate to this post - I long for this time. I really hope you get to go home soon :) Going in June, is it?
    I don't get a month at a stretch like you do , so I kind of split up and go to each place (about twice a year) Being closer helps :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chatty Wren7 January 2013 at 11:29

      Yes, July-Aug actually. Wow, twice a year sounds very good to me. I prefer staying put in one place but can't imagine not being home with parents, so we do both.

      Delete
  4. Renu7 January 2013 at 06:40

    Have you returned from the trip?..yes its always the same way for me too..I feel so happy going to my mom and siblings, and my MIL has always stayed with me.so there:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chatty Wren7 January 2013 at 11:35

      Renuji, this time I did not go. I guess i have not written very clearly. That is very nice - then you have all the time to spend at your Mom's.

      Delete
  5. Anonymous8 January 2013 at 13:09

    Hey, you are coming to India...Any plans of visiting north?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chatty Wren8 January 2013 at 14:02

      In the summer hols! Everything will depend on the price of the tickets :), otherwise simply south!

      Delete

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