Back home, enjoying simple pleasures

I'm back HOME. I got back last Wednesday night.

When my son and I were together during the holidays in Bogota, he shared a conversation he had with one of his teachers, who had asked him if he would travel home for the holidays. He responded that the concept of home had become somewhat challenging for him these days. The conversation lingered in my mind, prompting me to reflect on my own experiences.

I recall having an Argentinean boss who had lived in various countries. He used to say that home was where his loved ones were, and that at times, he even had multiple homes.

I now have my closest affections in different parts of the world. While I may not have had the intention of the nomadic lifestyle of my former boss. I embrace her approach on the home meaning. It is a place where your loved ones reside, and maybe we can have more than one, why not.

Upon arriving in Caracas, I felt an instant sense of belonging. Despite the challenges and difficulties our country faces, I found myself at home. While I'm missing my husband and I'm eager to go soon wherever he may be, I also will relish the opportunity to spend a few weeks, I don’t know how many will be so far, surrounded by the people and affection I had missed in the last two months.

And I plan to take every opportunity to savor some of the small pleasures that I can only have here.

Hug and squeeze my furry love. Feel Milo's cold nose on mine. Playing with him. It's definitely being home.

I am so relieved to see that he is doing well. That he has adjusted to being with my mom, to see that they have become closer, fills me with peace of mind. But it also gladdens my heart to see that he loves me and that I am still among his favorite humans despite the time apart.

And even though I have a lot to do these days, I find time to lie on the couch with Milo next to me, napping.

At home, one of the little pleasures I enjoy in the morning is having my cup of coffee while sitting and looking at the view from my balcony. And when I had my coffee with this view on Thursday, I realized how much I missed being able to see that blue sky with the mountains in the background.

I missed my mountain hikes so much that I arrived on Wednesday night and, by Thursday afternoon, I had already arranged a hike with my friend L. to the mountains.

One of the little pleasures I love in this city is to walk on the mountain at La Fila Park and sit at the lookout point to contemplate El Avila, and even more so if I do it in the late afternoon.

After the effort of the climb up the mountain, this view is so energizing.

And sitting and chatting with a friend while watching the clouds move across the sky and ending with a majestic view of the mountain with a totally clear sky is priceless.

Seeing Choco's joy on our walks, who enjoys it as much as we do, is also one of those simple pleasures that bring a smile to my face.

Just arrived and already had the first get-together with my friends and a board game night. When my husband found out, he jokingly told me, “You don't waste time.” LOL.

One of the things I missed a lot in Bogotá, especially in the last month when my son had already gone back to college, was spending time with my friends. Although, I have always been a person who likes to enjoy moments of solitude, and when my husband went to work, I enjoyed the time for myself. I also missed a lot being able to enjoy a face-to-face chat with my friends, cooking and eating together, playing cards, having a glass of wine or a beer.

Last night we met at my friend S’s. She loves to cook, and she spoiled us by cooking Mexican tostadas. We had a great time eating, chatting, playing dominoes Mexican train style, and also having a couple of glasses of wine.

Without realizing it as I was writing the post about my homecoming, I also realized that I was talking about some of the simple pleasures I like to enjoy, which is the subject of this week's Memoir Monday. It's been a while since I've participated in Memoir Monday and this one has been a bit fortuitous, but valid nonetheless. So this is my participation in the Memoir Monday #48, an initiative by @ericvancewalton.

Thank you for reading. Cheers 🍻

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