JULY 09
No knapsack, I have found myself. On a Switzerland train in silver heels, I sling my fake Prada on my shoulder instead of a guitar. A handsome uniformed boy describes peace-keeping conscription for Suisse defense. I realize I am reading the quotes on the train from my middle-aged bubble.
“DIE VER SUCHUNG, DIETER, DRAMALIKER, ROMANCIER, ZU WERDEN IS GROSS. MIT EIN WENIG TALENT UND PHANTASIE KANN MAN ES SCHAFFEN” J R VON SALIS
“TUTTE LE VIE CHE DERIVANO DAL VERO SONO BUONE QUELLE CHE DERIVANO DALLE TEORIE A DALLE REGOLE POSSONO ESSERE FALLACI” VINCENZO VELA
Basel, Weichs, Lausanne… a crisp breeze through the beer gardens. Four official languages, Mozart’s Opera in Italian with German and French subtitles on the screen. People meet as they walk along the market cobblestones beneath the multi colored shuttered windows. Large leaves crumple and fine gravel crinkles under my heels as I keep walking and walking; reminiscing and drinking in as much as Europe as possible.
I know I took this for granted in Canada. “How Beautiful! How Clean!” tourists would comment. I knew they were right, but had never known anything else. We recycle, we don’t litter, “take out more than you take in” when we camp. I have never heard of the Saskatchewan river polluted from industry. Restored to a beautiful turquoise 100 years later like the Reine. My girls weekend trip was too quick. I walk out from cigarette littered airport entrance into stainless steel and Helvetica type. I am spoiled by Canada’s more considerate (and less) smokers.
I feel like Dubai gives my children some example of the global scale. Living here, and traveling to other countries. The opportunity they have to meet people from all over the world. However, a large expat workforce means we have a huge demographic gap. Teenagers 18-24 are usually studying abroad, and the elderly are almost invisible. I smile remembering the elderly in Europe, walking up and down hills, getting groceries, walking dogs, visiting friends. A wonderfully whole society. I hope Dubai can build the bike culture, and pedestrian society that we even push for in Canada.
I am working on Dubai landscapes now. Capturing the beauty of the desert. The red sand dunes and the nature that does exist amongst highly polished contemporary design. The silence of the desert, and when you finally get there, it speaks to you.
