Refreshing the soul

One of the joys of being an expat is meeting people from all over the globe. Friendships are formed, some we know will only be fleeting and last for that posting while other friendships grow stronger with time and distance. Your friends become your family and support so far from home and some bonds are made for life. I am very fortunate to have made several long standing friendships in Shanghai.

One of my best friends in Shanghai went home to Sweden around the same time as I moved to England. Our daughters are weeks apart in age and also became very close friends. Last week my daughter and I flew in to visit and surprise her friend for her birthday. Was so good to spend a few days catching up, hanging out and reminiscing.

Day broke on our first morning in Sweden, our friends had work and school for the day so my teenager and I went for a long walk along the beach. If my day trip to the beach in England cleared my mind, this walk along the seaside refreshed my soul.

Sunlight sending sparkles across the water, the air so fresh.

I grew up on boats and spent my early years down at fishing boat harbour in Fremantle, WA with my Dad on the weekends, the sound of water lapping on boats, chains and ropes swaying against the wind is comforting.

This little harbour in Lerberget was formed around 1764, 65 years before Western Australia was even founded. By the end of the 19th century it was a large fishing harbour with fourteen herring boats working out of the harbour.

No fishing boats are based here now, pleasure craft are now in residence and with beautiful coastline to explore and the shores of Denmark a quick 20 minute boat ride away this would be a perfect place to spend long summer days.

A day of peace, silence apart from the movement of the water and the occasional birdsong. A day to spend some time with my daughter, enjoying each others company, reconnect with the sea, my spiritual home.

Reaffirm how fortunate my little family is, to have such wonderful friends dotted all over the globe.

Breathe in the briny air, take in the view, refreshing in every way.

I could spend hours just gazing out over the ocean, watching the boats go by, the birds preening themselves on the rocks, refreshing my soul.

...and maybe I did!