I have decided not to post the rest of my journal entries from my silent period. What happened in the last days before I got my charging cable seem to be clearly related to my new book.
Today, being Tuesday, was Charles day to go to Apuela. The other day when we were talking he said he had an extra mask if I wanted it. I agreed because without one, it would be uncomfortable going into town. I decided to bite the bullet, face my fears and walk to town to get the things I needed. I know it seems simple, but for me, the longer I am away from people, the less motivated I am to be part of the world again. Difficult to explain, difficult problem to have.
So this was my first time out the gates of Victoria Ecolodge in 8 weeks. The first steps were the worst, had I not been meeting Charles, I probably would have made an excuse not to go. The dogs were most excited to be out having an adventure, but I wished I could have left Chiripa at home…..she is in heat again. I am the only one they follow out the gates and they do love their walks. Over the weeks, anytime I made my way towards the gate, they would leap and twist in the air, excited at the prospect of an adventure. But alas, I made my way to the kitchen instead, the disappointment and confusion apparent on their faces. So today was a red letter day for them!
I was exhausted when I got home, it was very warm today and I am in very bad shape now. I believe we are officially out of the rainy season, the sun very strong. Having done pretty much nothing physically for 8 weeks, my muscles are in need of a tune-up, plus I have lost at least 15 pounds, so my energy is not what it was. As I approached home, the decision was made, we will try to walk every day now. I avoided this before because I felt it would be wrong to go out without a mask, people are scared. The virus would be devastating if it arrived in the valley. There is just not sufficient hospital care available. So far I believe we are still virus free here, I’m sure because they made a pretty strong effort to lock people out.
Today Life felt normal for the first time in 2 months. One could almost pretend there wasn’t a problem. There is a new frozen yogurt/pizza place in town. Bad timing, they opened up just before the quarantine began, but they had a window open today, and I allowed myself the pleasure of a cone. It melted faster than I could eat it, the sun was beaming down its powerful rays. I had my hands full, and was struggling to keep ahead of the melt, so I shared with the dogs. They were only too happy to oblige me.
It was nice to see people, different faces, even though they were mostly hidden behind a mask. But the world is different when you interact, return someone’s smile, have a conversation (even if it is poor Spanish). Despite my discomfort being with people, I am really a people person. How does that work?