chapter 3; kaleidoscopes

Once again while trying to sleep I find a kaleidoscope of images and events drifting randomly through my mind. Whenever I try to focus on one or another, the pieces form into one kind of pattern before breaking up again and re-forming into a new one. That's the fun thing about kaleidoscopes; the pieces can be rearranged endlessly into a myriad pleasing and often surprising patterns. Unfortunately they tend to be impossible to re-create in quite the same order next time. I guess I'll just have to shake them up again & see what comes out...

One such random experience that springs to mind just now is of walking through the catacombs with the tour group; the lighting is subdued, and the tour guide points out that there are miles of as yet unexplored tunnels in which me might become lost for ever, should we wander off... Its cool under ground, and there's a sense of faint disgust when it is pointed out that once upon a time, bodies purifying could cause asphyxiation of the unwary visitor. Now the place has an earthy smell but nothing toxic...the human remains have been removed from this part of the catacombs. I am fairly comfortable with the experience, until we re-emerge in the church built above the tunnels; it is partially underground too, and has a dreadful odour of mold and decay. Suddenly I have to be outside in the fresh air. I make my apologies to the tour guide and go outside to sit in the gardens. This is the first time I have remembered this experience since that day. It didn't strike me as that dreadful that I'd need to blank it out, but still, I forgot the entire experience till now...

And then there was the day we docked at the beautiful Greek Island of Micconos, and stepped off our air conditioned cruise ship into a 42degrees Celcius heatwave. I'd only gone a dozen steps before I was drenched with sweat. My companions were keen to explore, despite the heat, and I tried to enjoy the quaint streets and charming shops, but all I could think about was having a swim. The azure sea sparkled and beckoned until I just had to succumb. Unfortunately I was not wearing my swimsuit, and could find nowhere to change... After sitting on the beach for a while frustratedly trying to decide if anyone would notice if I swam in my underwear, I finally decided to go behind a low wall and change into my swimsuit. Disregarding passersby, I changed as discreetly as possible and plunged joyfully into the tepid water. The swim revived me enough to determine to return in the evening for a second visit to the town. The place came alive after dark; the lights glittered on the water; flower draped tavernas bustled with satisfied customers. The streets filled with people, and the atmosphere was electric. Another of my highlights...I'd love to go back there someday.