As I spent the majority of the last week sick in bed, there isn't a whole lot to report. Nothing you people actually want to visualize that is.... That being said, I've decided to use this post to jot down some of the half thoughts and musings of the last couple of weeks.
Today I woke up to walk to one of my jobs. I decided to get up and do it earlier today so I could have more of the day to myself. I walked out of my apartment today at 6:00 and started the fifteen minute walk to work. I was the only one on the streets. It was an interesting sensation to realize that the entire village was asleep. There probably wasn't another soul out in the whole valley that early on a Sunday morning. Except the one guy who wasn't supposed to even be there. A sole American in a remote valley village. After work I took a walk through the woods surrounding Kolsass and made my way back to a small chapel tucked away in the trees. I had found this little place once by accident a number of weeks ago and hadn't found time to head back there. I spent fifteen or so minutes there in quiet, secluded meditation before going home, making coffee and beginning to pack my possessions back into my bag.
That alone has been a pretty liberating experience. As of right now effectively everything I own can fit into one hiking backpack. For anyone who's spent time as a poor college kid, or just someone starting out in the world with a few, precious possessions to their name, it's not difficult to remember having very little material wealth. The difference is as a college kid, there is always the possibility and even expectation that there will be a time of plenty in the future. The material is restricted by the financial. Now imagine you COULD buy something new: a new sweater or pair of pants, or a really cool tea kettle (ok so I like tea kettles), but then you remember that you physically have to carry any new acquisitions on you back. Is it worth it? And if so, what in your bag has to be left behind to make room?
Sorry again for the lack of substance in this post. My time in the valley is winding down and I can feel it coming to a close. On Wednesday I'll be back on the road and hopefully I'll have more of worth to share. See you all soon!
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