I woke up today and walked to one of my myriad jobs. The stroll there was unremarkable. After about two hours I finished up and walked home. That stroll was also unremarkable. Therein lies the problem.
I got back into my apartment and looked out my window as I got breakfast ready. I saw the garden, the snow and my neighbor walking out to cut wood. After breakfast I took a nap and then started making lunch (hey I've got a cold and the whole country closes on Sundays; I can take a nap from breakfast to lunch!). Again I looked out the window and saw a bird flying by. Only after watching the bird for a bit did I realize that he was flying across an amazing landscape. He was flying across the breathtaking backdrop of the Alps and I had only just noticed it.
That's the problem. I had been outside, I had looked out the window repeatedly and only then had I noticed the outstanding view that I have. My Father has a theory about such things. Dad loves Colorado. Not skiing, not hiking; he loves Colorado. But he doesn't want to live there. And I finally understand why.
He's always said that living there would make it harder to appreciate the beauty that surrounds him. The dream becomes commonplace; the extraordinary becomes mundane. The Alps, unfortunately, have begun to lose their magic.
In ten days I'll be on the road again and I'm content with leaving the beauty of Kolsass behind. I'll stow it away for another time. I'll go away and come back to the breathtaking panorama that is this valley village and the wonderful people I've met here.
The wonderful thing though is that this concept works both ways. When I come back home to Kansas, it will be with new eyes. Just as I was taken aback by the beauty and novelty of the mountains, it will be equally breathtaking to see the purples and blues of the prairie and the green of newly sprouted wheat. Just as I enjoyed the company and hospitality of those I've met here and on the road, I'll be able to find ease and comfort in the familiar relationships back home. I guess what I'm saying is, it's been a wonderful time, but Kansas beckons. See you all in a couple of weeks!
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