Home Sweet Home

We’re back home. This year our absence was longer than usual and than foreseen. Almost a whole month. A whole month back at my parents… well, with a week’s worth respite at the seeside. Kamilia was happy – her nose was never dry or stuffy (after initial two-day runny nose), she could crawl everywhere (carpets and rugs) and stand up anytime she felt like (a lot of accesible tall, sturdy furniture). We breathed more fresh air in these 4 weeks than during a whole year here. We also walked. And took public transport and survived. Funny thing, friends told me that people don’t get up for them when pregnant or with babies like it used to be the case when we were younger (the way we were brought up, I cannot sit when an elderly or a pregnant woman stands next to me, my behind gets twitchy). This time again I found it not to be true. Maybe it’s the summer that makes people less tired and grumpy and more helpful. Unfortunately it’s not the case in Paris where you could die buried under your luggage and nobody (with rare exceptions) will care. This hasn’t changed.

So back in dhh (dusty, hot and humid) Dubai and I’m happy as can be. Tired since there is no respite from the Formula1 formerly known as Saboodlette but it’s soooo good to sleep in my own bed, have my own bathroom and not having to check every yoghurt for pork (tip – check out the unknown, local brands – their products usually contain less additives and are closer to the traditional, natural ones - tastier, too).

On the plane back I was musing over the definition of “home”. Found one – it’s the place where I can close the door behind me and I decide who to let in and when. That’s my definition, that’s what made me feel “at home” or as the French say “chez moi” in various places I lived. And that’s what makes me truly happy. I remember this feeling of closing the door behind me in my first “own” flat. Pure bliss. It felt so good that I go back to that feeling when I’m down, upset or else. And it works a treat. I’m not a sharing kind of person.
Now an update on the previous post - on my way back I met my Friend. She's still the same, I haven't changed (according to her). So so good.

Now that’s probably the most boring post I’ve EVER written but what’s done is done. The alternative was to write about ironing and related housework after a long absence.