Even I expected to post more on this trip than I have. The last post was, what, almost 2 weeks ago? For a one month trip, that's certainly not very much!
Here's the thing.....
When I came on vacation in 2009, I posted a lot. I was seeing everything for the first time. I felt like a vacationer because I was.
When I lived here in 2010-2011, I posted a lot. I was seeing everything through a new lens. I felt like a foreigner because I was.
Visiting here in 2014, I'm not posting a lot. I'm not seeing new things or seeing things through a new lens. I'm simply enjoying a place I've been to before; I'm enjoying re-experiencing things that were once new to me but aren't any more. I feel at home because I am.
It's been a surprise to me. Because my other two experiences in Australia and Brisbane were all about how different it was, I really enjoyed documenting those observations. This trip has turned out to be how familiar (and pleasurable) it all is. I've taken fewer pictures because they'd be the same pictures I took in 2009, 2010, and 2011.
I haven't been posting because I've been having too good a time being back and feeling at home. I'm leaving tomorrow but my intention is to come back in roughly 2 years. Brisbane could well become my home away from home. I'm just....happy here.
When I left in 2011, it was hard. I did not want to go back to Washington DC. I was afraid I'd never get back here. But I made it back. Knowing that I can come back, I'm far less anxious about leaving than I was in 2011. I will be back.
