‘Alright Dave?’
No, I’m not talking about the intellectually challenged road sweeper from Only Fools and Horses. Although whilst we’re here, I’ll take the opportunity to mention that I am reminded daily of Del-boy and Rodders’ and their council flat in Nelson Mandela House, with its fully stocked cocktail bar, as I pass through Nelson Mandela Place in Glasgow City centre. It looks nothing like the flat; for one, it is adorned with stunning Victorian architectural features, not 70’s Velour wallpaper! But the name’s the same…
(actually the origin of the name is quite interesting I discovered whilst researching this bit of the post – the link is quite interesting!)
Annnnyways, the sort of trigger I’m talking about is an emotional trigger. All sorts of things set me off. I mean, smells for example, really get me, and scary situations that remind me of a certain horrible thing that happened in my past. I find it amazing how some feelings can lay dormant for ages, and then one little trigger can bring them all back…
Since I moved here, I have to say, I haven’t felt too homesick at all. I’ve been so wrapped up in the new flat, all the new shops, the new city, new friends, new places to go out, new work, and that blasted thesis, that I haven’t had time to really feel sick. I’ve missed people, like crazy, but not felt real homesickness.
However, at the weekend, Mum came to stay. She came to stay, and we had the most perfect time. I showed her some of the best bits, and we did a lot of shopping, and got in a fair bit of culcha (including some opera dahling!), and generally had a great time.
And so, what I’m trying to say, is that at the end of the weekend, saying goodbye to Mum, was, in fact, my trigger. I got all watery of eye (but was forced to pull myself together before hitting the office!) And, all of yesterday, I was afflicted with the most chronic bout of homesickness! Not 'place' home, 'people' home - I just wanted to go back...
... It’s ok, back to myself again today, and the sun is still shining!
