What has changed in five years...

[peacetraveler22]

Today I was reminded by Facebook that I was in Kyiv five years ago today, standing atop a monastery. It was my first visit to Ukraine, and since that time a lot has changed. My Ukrainian friend I was visiting now lives in France. He played an instrumental role in reigniting my passion for travel so many years after I left my job at the airlines. Since then, I've visited 10 new countries and 15 new States here in the USA. There are so many positive emotions locked in my mind from all of these experiences. The people I've encountered along the way, struggles with companions, roads, schedules...all of it a journey for discovery, not only about the world, but myself.

Many personal relationships have shifted - some closer, and some almost extinct. I've slowly let new people into my tight circle, yet toxic people are now banished. I can't say that I'm harsh or unforgiving, but I definitely give people way fewer chances now than I did two decades ago. I think it's a normal process of aging, somehow you look to insulate yourself with a protective layer of humans who support, provide warmth, comfort, security and other positive emotions. For me, these people have always been family and a few close friends. There's no point in wasting time on those who are constantly trying to belittle, tear you down and ignite all types of wildfires in your soul and heart. In youth, I somehow thought I could change people like this, take their hand, and guide them to some sort of light and positivity, but I failed each time. In essence, I think it's impossible to really change another human, although your presence in an individual's life can be the catalyst to facilitate or motivate change. Sometimes for the worse, but hopefully the better.

We can say that life, and everything, is in a constant state of flux - one moment you're floating peacefully on the calm sea, and the next your world is shaken, as if life is constantly hovering over a tectonic plate, or in the midst of some volcano with lava quickly creeping to the edge. For me personally, everything now is calm and fine, but boring. I don't have motivation to write long posts anymore, for several reasons. First, it seems the entire audience has disappeared. Second, there is nothing new to say. After three years of communicating on this platform, almost all of my views are known - about sex, gender, relationships, exploration, Russia....many other topics.  If you have questions which remain unanswered, you can ask me in the comments, and I will express my viewpoint if the inquiry isn't too personal, and I know something about the issue.

This is really just a simple note to let you know I'm alive, as many people have sent me messages. Thank you for your concern, and continued dedication to my stories, thoughts and blog. :) When I feel a burst of creative inspiration, new stories will follow. I still post lots of short notes, thoughts, and travel photos on Facebook. You can find me here. In two weeks, I'll return to Montana and then onward to Alberta, Canada for a quick mountain adventure before the big expedition through Georgia in autumn.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer! Cheers from the USA! :)

Comments

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Thanks. :) I look different now - thinner, different hair color, even though you can't see my hair there. This headscarf can't be compared to a burqa, which I've worn by the way. It is me in these photos below. I once wrote a short post about the experience of having this garment on, for only a brief period of time.

[kichiro-sora.livejournal.com]

It's function it's exactly the same. Cover the head of unholy woman, because gad cares so much and he'll be angry if the head is not covered.

And you look extremely funny in that pic :)

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

While the purpose may be the same (to promote modesty, and deter lustful glances from men - which I believe you yourself have said are basically animals who want nothing from women other than to fuck them), the function and emotional impact for me personally is totally different. With headscarves or hijab, women still have a personal identity in public. You can see their face, expressions, look into their eyes when speaking with them. When you wear a burqa, you're a living ghost, floating from place to place, no identity, and suffocating in the process.

It's really difficult to explain, and most people don't even think about it, much less take the time to wear a burqa. :))) However, I felt it was necessary to put one of these things on at least once in my life, to better understand the issue, or relate to these women somehow. But it is impossible for a woman like me to relate to these religious customs where women's rights are minimized, or non-existent at all.

[seadevil001.livejournal.com]

There was Japanese novel titled "Man-box" or "Man in the box" or something (read it in Russian hell know how many years ago). Rather relates to your impression on burqa.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

The author was male or female? "Man In the Box" - it is a great song from the 90's grunge band Alice in Chains! :))

[seadevil001.livejournal.com]

Author was male. I remembered now. It was Kobo Abe, novel "The Box Man".