comfort in your strangeness

Today I found myself sitting alone in the middle of a park, under the shadow of pine trees and a full moon.

Alone.

But not lonely.

*****

It has been a month since I stepped foot in France. As surreal and wonderful as it sounds, the reality is the first weeks were hell for me. Unable to speak the language, I felt lost and alienated.

I was in France, but my heart was not.

I roamed the streets with empty eyes. I looked without really seeing. I heard things without really listening.

I could no longer see the magic in ordinary things.

I felt like I had lost myself all over again.

*****

The nights have become chillier.

Summer is almost over, and soon I will no longer be able to swim in the pool or spend my weekends by the beach. I find myself wrapping my jacket around me tighter, digging my hands deeper into my pockets.

Yet with the change in season, I find my spirits lifting.

The streets seem quieter, calmer. Somewhere within, I can feel myself more at peace.

It has been a month, yes. It has been a struggle, yes. But there are three more months to go. So much more to experience.

It's high time I start seeing the magic again.

*****

Bonjour France.

I'm finally here.