Home Visit 2012

It was that time of the year to make our annual visit "home" in April.
Hard to believe a year had passed since visiting Canada - time really does fly by fast here, either being here in the Magic Kingdom or we are just getting older!
Joy first visited family in the US then joined me in Canada, visitng back and forth between Toronto and London. The weather we experienced was typical spring, ranging from the need to wear t-shirts(?) to sweaters & jackets. Despite the "contrasts in weather" it was great to experience the changes, particularly as it is now in the high 30's C, and humid, most days - soon to get into the 40's C as summer approaches.

We were able to connect with family, as well as many of our friends and colleagues, although due to the rushed visit we apologize for not being able to connect with others we would have liked to have seen (eg. Alan & Barb, and others at LHSC). I particularly would like to thank the kindness of our good friends Richie & Joan for setting up a "boat party" to see many of our sailing friends, as well as Mary Liz & Nancy at the LHSC for setting up a small "reunion" gathering - both greatly appreciated. Clearly it was also great to see my son Michael and for Joy to see her family & daughters (Melissa & Vanessa). Finally we were able to "visit Walden" and thank Ed for the good care he is carrying out such that we can continue with water journeys on our return. For now "Walden's crew" will have to continue to carry out our adventures using the Middle East as our base camp.

Coming back to Jeddah was particularly difficult this time from an emotional point of view, but returning with many good memories.
Rather than "detail" our journey home we will leave it to the pictures to do the talking.

We will start with Joy's visit to NJ & Philadelphia for her family visit.

Our trip to Canada as noted was split between Toronto and London, the images starting with Toronto.

     Onwards to London with its "mixed" late spring weather.

Oops - a photo of a photo doesn't work well (we don't have a scanner) but the good memories are there.

Walden's crew was treated to a party at Richie & Joan's with the Bayfield gang. Great seeing them all again having last seen them at our going away party in Bayfield September 2010! No dieting on this trip.

"Walden" on the hard - her crew to join her "soon" after a makeover.
Ed's place is looking more and more like a boat yard - until one views the farmers fields surrounding the location.

    
 Other associated social occasions keeping us busy. Great to see you Kelly and Anita, and of course Richie & Joan.

Unfortunately the visit had to end as it was time to head back to Jeddah.
A great trip with many positive memories - now the decision on how much longer to stay. Not an easy decision waying the pros and cons of maybe my last full time job before pre-retirement and part time activities.

                                     Massalama - until next time.

A Maritime City: Contrasts in the Corniche

"How long are you going to stay", a question being asked mid way through my second year of my initial two year contract. Do we extend? If so how long?
A time to reflect on the recent past and my goals for the future. Going home for a visit shortly has certainly added impetus to this question. It only seems like yesterday that we left as time has continued to fly by at a fast pace. Too fast in some ways as I approach my 65th date with time. Yes the competing considerations of a familiar home with close proximity to family & friends versus what needs to be done for that "bucket list" while the opportunity is still present. Not easy decisions.
No answers today, although reflecting on our time in this maritime city with ancient roots. The water has always given me a sense of peace, and if not on or in the water, then strolling beside the water will have to do. And that we have done a lot of recently.

"Old" Jeddah has evolved very quickley into a modern metropolis. Its face however continues to be that of the Red Sea. With our strolls, and contemplation, today we will move from the older roots of the city by the sea, the older corniche, evolving towards the new. The spectrum from old to new and the future (that we all wrestle with).
The start of this journey is the old city, where many of the buildings have been constructed out of coral - many now undergoing repair due to the ravages of time. This "old" city mixed with the new, the older corniche close to the modern port, the "newer" corniche spreading north with modern developments (a previous Blog) where the barren desert meets the sea. The spread in these images moving from the old city, the older corniche to the new. Many steps during the strolls. Many moments for contemplation.

The older city, with the mix of old and new, followed by the older corniche.

A different atmosphere in the older maritime city & corniche area to that of the newer corniche further north (as seen in a previous Blog, and images to follow).

Decisions, decisions - an upcoming trip home and more moments by the sea air, by, on, and in the water.
And yes also that nagging "bucket list" and potential adventures!