Heroes Not Zombies

I’m in Palermo, on the island of Sicily, as I write this. One of the things I enjoy so much about being here is the glorious presence of such a diversity of cultures….even this street sign provokes me to be aware of that.

The architecture, the art, the symbols and the multilayered history that different peoples have left on this island are obvious everywhere.

I was born in Scotland and my ancestors over the last three hundred years or so lived in Scotland but I long held a notion to spend part of my life in a different country, a different language and a different culture, so when I retired after four decades of work as a doctor I emigrated to France. That’s almost ten years ago and I nowadays I love stepping out of my garden gate in the little French village where I live and chatting with my neighbours who might be happening by. I thoroughly enjoy the magazines and books I buy in my local newsagents and “librairies” (bookshops). I love getting in harmony with French cultures of eating and drinking and everyday manners of behaviour and speech.

I’ve also discovered I can drive to Spain, leaving home after breakfast, and arriving in time for lunch. And right now I’m on a rail adventure to Italy where I’ve sampled the very different cultures of Milan and Palermo and delighted in them both.

I wrote the other day about my life of “E”s, and days like this allow me to fulfill them all – I’m Exploring, Enjoying and Expressing – going places I’ve never been before, enjoying and savouring new sights, sounds and flavours, and taking hundreds of photographs, only a few of which I’ve shared so far, but which I’ll draw upon for posts in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Life is richer when we encounter diversity and difference, when we meet strangers and make new connections, when we open ourselves up to “the other”.