29 January 2023 - Traveling. Togetherness

When I was doing a project near the end of my school years, I ended up interviewing lots of elderly folk.

I asked about regrets; "not traveling" was a common response.

Another lesson that life itself has taught me is that: money spent on experiences with loved ones is usually money well spent.

Finally, reading extracts from a book called The Good Life recently, I was provided with even more affirmation regarding the importance of forging and nurturing close bonds and relationships in life. 

...

I was in Poland today. At lunchtime, I received an sms from one of my brothers-in-law. Namely, your Uncle Coyne.

In visual synchronicity.. and then with literary eloquence.. the reflections on life, noted above.. were all, in unison, touched upon.

The following video came through. 

It was created by your cousin Noor:

In case a visual recollection doesn't do it for you, 

& a word by word transportation to the trip is desired, 

Aunt Leila put on her writing shoes, and whipped this up:

Ode to Hammo

The Graham-Matar-Amarneh teams

Embarked on the holiday of our dreams

Five glorious days in the sunny north

Each day a new experience came forth

Our home for the trip, the amazing Pavilions

With breathtaking views of the island worth millions

It wasn't a problem if weather was muggy

As we traveled in style in our open-air buggy

The lagoon pool was pumping, the mocktails were flowing

With sunscreen applied, we got volleyball going

Hours of fun spent by the net

Then a handstand comp that we won't forget

On board our own jet ski, our hands they did shake!

But we carved up the sea and left a mad wake

The ocean was ours, not a boat in sight

The adrenaline rush lasted all night

Fancy your very own helicopter flight?

The Reef via air, what a magical sight

High in the clouds, we could touch the moon

Then landed on a dime near the pontoon

Stinger suits were an essential feature

As we snorkeled amongst the tropical creatures

With our fins and our masks, we added to the story

By spotting each rainbow fish, shark and Dory

A picture-perfect Australia Day

Spent on our "cat", the Ricochet

We cruised through the water, sail high in the air

With our crew, Captain Frank, Sophie and Pierre

Snorkeling at Chalkies, the clams we could reach

Then the crystal blue waters of Whitehaven Beach

White silica sand as fine as can be

Then a nap while cruising a shimmering sea

Who was the winner? We had to keep tally

Of bowling (on strings!) and a go-karting rally

Then laughing our way through a Heads Up finale

With snacks a-plenty and willing hands to feed us

We dined on fresh seafood and chicken fajitas

Our big Aussie breakfasts, hot chips by the dock

(After we left, IGA had no stock.)

But wait, there's more!

To release any stress

A luxurious day spa was simply the best

And for the kids, acting on a whim

Why not go for a midnight swim?

The best of all, family

The ties that bind

Time spent together was one of a kind

Sunshine and laughter for one and all

Hammo 2023 - what an absolute ball!

You and your sister did not join your cousins this time.

Hamilton Island and the Whitsundays was a source, for them, of individual joy and of family bonding.

I look forward to the day when you can both join your immediate close relatives for such monumental moments.

I consistently receive expressions of love and care (from the Australian side of your family) for you and your sister.

I feel very lucky to have the siblings that I do. Ditto their kids. Ditto the two of you.

There is a life force, a beautiful one, that results from unifying.

Wishing you and your sister unification with your nearest and dearest.

I hope that always have one another's backs, and that you also feel support even more broadly.

Love you both.

💕💕💕

PS - a little gift from us to mum

...does it also remind you of fish scales from a beautiful tropical creation?