Day 17 Intervals

Today is one of those days when I really don’t feel like writing. And yet I write – a little. Maybe just for that reason.

Today, we casually entered a new province. Just like that. Bam, over the bridge – and suddenly there it was:

New Brunswick.

That alone would have been worth a small moment. But then came the actually funny part: We also changed time zones at the same time. Without even realizing it.

We were only wondering why it was suddenly 11:30 AM – and why we hadn’t even thought of breakfast, let alone lunch. You drive over a bridge and suddenly you’ve gained or lost an hour – depending on the perspective! Really strange!

I still felt a bit wistful:

The French-speaking part of Canada is now behind us.

I had enjoyed saying “bonjour” and “merci” and was surprised that I understood and could speak more than I thought. It was a bit like a vacation within a vacation, even though English is much easier for me.

So now New Brunswick. New province, new time, and also a new little chapter in our journey: tomorrow we will meet our African friends again.

And to be honest – I’m a little scared of that. Not specifically, just a feeling. As if they might not be really happy that we are coming.

Maybe because they don’t write so enthusiastically – anyway, not as much as English-speaking friends often do. And me? I’m excited, I’m really looking forward to it – and I’ve expressed that openly. They haven’t. So this little doubt is there. I can’t explain it exactly.

For that, we did something really fun today: tubing!

I had never done that before. You’re driven by car to a spot on the river, sit in large tires there – and just float down the river for 1-2 hours until someone fishes you out. You need nothing except: exactly - a liability waiver. Really nothing.

The professionals came in large groups, all tied together and had an extra boat in the middle – with supplies, a music box, and drinks. It looked really fun. I think it would be hilarious in such a group.

We were also tied together – but only with a water bottle in the drink holder. At least.

Mika pushed us along every now and then if things went too slowly. I personally had a bit of trouble getting back on the tire – but that’s exactly when we laughed a lot. It was nice. Of course, we left our phones in the car, so here’s just a photo from the internet.

In the evening we went out to eat and dressed up a bit – because it was our last evening on the round trip. We had been on the road together for 2.5 weeks now and I have to say: It was a very special time.

Now I’m sitting in the hotel room writing this, while Mika – of course – is at the gym. (I forgot to mention yesterday that for Mika, a good hotel besides stable Wi-Fi and a kettle must have one thing above all: a gym. This hotel even has a particularly good one. Mika gave it a grade of two.)

I’m a bit quiet, a little wistful. Not sad, but… that feeling when a chapter comes to an end. Plus, I’m a bit tired – and looking forward to seeing them again tomorrow, despite the nerves.

Insight of the day:

New province, new time zone – and somehow also a new chapter. With much gratitude for everything we have been able to experience so far.