I sit outside with my toes in the grass. The sun struggles through the layers of smog and by the time it lands on my cheek, it is but a weak cousin of the African sun that I am used to. I don’t like the air here, it presses down on me, leaves me wondering if we are encapsulated in a dome like goldfish in a bowl.
The wind sighs and carries the nose-tingling odor of burning sewage into our garden. We may live in our manufactured expat fishbowl, but the wind will not stop and deposit its luggage at the gate; it will not be denied entry.
An insect sits on the chair next to me. “Hello Chinese bug,” I greet it quite cordially.
It doesn’t reply.
Africa to Asia 
#1 by Tonia Marie Houston on September 19, 2011 - 9:25 am
A bit of a sad story told in a lovely way. Your longing for your homeland moves me, as always. The but may not have replied, but he kept pleasant counsel in his own way. One day, we shall see South Africa together, I want to see it through your eyes. 😉
#2 by Celia on September 19, 2011 - 9:30 am
And as if in reply to my post, today we have beautiful blue skies! I’ll definitely give you the tour of SA once we are both famous authors! 🙂
#3 by Tonia Marie Houston on September 19, 2011 - 9:27 am
*The bug may not have replied*. Note to self: Edit comments before posting. Goodness.
#4 by Celia on September 19, 2011 - 9:31 am
Ha ha! Now if you had written “the butt may not have replied”, it would have been seriously funny! 😮
#5 by InsideJourneys on September 19, 2011 - 10:35 am
Very beautiful. Interesting the things we miss when we’re away from home, eh? Hope you get to go home soon and feel the air and the sun on your face.
#6 by Celia on September 24, 2011 - 10:38 am
Thanks Marcia. We’re going for Christmas and am counting the days!
#7 by Monique Muro (@MoniqueMuro) on September 23, 2011 - 2:19 pm
This is absolutely beautiful. I found you on Krissy Brady’s blog, I am a fan of hers too. Excellent job! 🙂
#8 by Celia on September 24, 2011 - 10:41 am
Hi Monique! Nice to meet you and thanks for stopping by 🙂
#9 by monicastangledweb on September 23, 2011 - 3:38 pm
I just adored reading this post. Felt more like a poem, a haiku. Absolutely lovely!
#10 by Celia on September 24, 2011 - 10:42 am
Thanks Monica, I really appreciate it 🙂
#11 by Reuben on September 29, 2011 - 2:28 pm
nice photo
#12 by Tom on November 25, 2011 - 1:16 pm
bug!