AFS Spirit

Where has my AFS spirit gone?

Gi asked me a couple of days ago how I could tolerate all of the idiosyncracies, problems, differences, language breakdowns and cultural issues with the exchange students, but find it so difficult to extend the same level of tolerance, understanding and acceptance towards his family.

It's a very good question.

I'm still working on the answer. In fact, I'm sitting here, in broad daylight, calm and relaxed, thinking it is a very good question. And I'm a complete cow for not having a respectable answer. Maybe I am often an intolerant, impatient, selfish, insensitive and judgemental person (no comments required, thank you sisters) but there is something about the exchange studnets that we hosted and supported while in Brisbane that took the edge of some of those personality traits. Or maybe it's just being here, living in an apartment the size of a dog house with three people that are from the same planet (it's challenging enough living with Gigi let alone three of them) that brings out the absolute worst in me.

I keep getting supportive comments like 'get out of there', 'move out on your own', 'get your own place for goodness sakes'. Rest assured we are working on a plan and I'll keep you posted once I get to put the bathmat permanently in the bathroom, stock the cupboards with 2 minute noodles and any pasta except spaghetti (I hate spaghetti) and have loud, bed bouncing sex without fear of sister-in-law knocking and walking in without the usual 'come in', or the bed squeaking and collapsing in the middle.....sorry if that's a bit too personal, but I don't have any grandparents reading this so figure it can be a little bit blue at times.

The photo of us in front of the cactus was taken on ANZAC /Liberation Day at the Acropoli di Cuma. I thought the prickly cactus symbology was somewhat appropriate for this blog.

And for those that are checking daily for updates .... I'm doing my best with limited resources. If you like the arm chair travelling and think I have any chance of being published at some stage send me some suggestions for magazines/newspapers etc that you read that might be appropriate targets.