Lounge Access

Jump to Comments

Today marks the one hundred and twelfth out-of-body experience of this summer.  China contained a plethora of them as did some of the frantic traveling between there and here, back in Hong Kong.  Completing the loop of the summer is only fitting and I can’t think of a better way than right where I’m sitting.

In a leather chair.  With free breakfast, cappucinos, and an adapter for my computer.

Miraculously, considering I was short of the miles needed to get into the Cathay Pacific business class lounge, the lovely boy at the counter took pity on my rather haggard, travel-worn self and waved me into the elevator.  I figured it couldn’t hurt to try to ask; I have a four hour layover here before I attempt to get back to Taipei, which has been for all practical purposes, shut down the last day, bracing for Typhoon Morakot.  It seems my flight is still on, and that gives me another hour and a half to enjoy this space.

It’s quiet, comfortable, and soothing with good feng shui.  There is food for my hungry tummy and calm for my spirit.  There are showers which I had beelined towards as soon as I got here lest they discover my fraudulence and kick me out.  The lack of sleep from the past few days is catching up with me and I feel a little spacey.  Austin was a whir of activity and emotion, which I haven’t begun to sort out.

I find myself thinking more than anything else right now about the energy of this summer.  It’s been a yang summer, and my moon side has been neglected.  I have been writing more this past week, largely for myself, rather than the blog.  This draw to writing and reading comes with my body knowing it needs to restore some yin.  I’ll try to be gentle with myself the first few weeks of school, try to get back to some stability.

So much seems uncertain: my arrival in Taipei with this typhoon, my new apartment and its (lack of) furnishings, two new classes to teach, and my own processing of the past two months.  Still, lessons from the past are contained in those new ventures, and I will work to integrate the two.

Still, thinking back on this summer, the overwhelming feeling is that of gratefulness. I finally have some money.  Not a ton, but more than I’ve ever had before.  This money allows me a flexibility in my travel that is quite new and lovely.  I can make decisions on the fly, do things last minute, and also splurge a bit.  I’ve been able to maintain a life abroad and still get home and catch up with dear friends.  Can this last forever?  Can I live this split life?  I’m growing more comfortable with the notion, but I’m going to have to work on how energy is allotted for all this catch up.  Packing in meaningful reunions is near impossible, so there must be a way to better develop and channel these experiences with old friends.

Any thoughts?

2 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized