Twirling batons and silk drapes.

The invitation had arrived without a stamp.

Whether it was delivered by hand, personally, or carried along with fliers offering horrible velvet sofas, we may never know.

The entrance was bigger than our first house. The house was bigger than the local multiplex.

And, there was a private 40 seat cinema, an indoor olympic-size pool and an old English sheepdog.

The dog seemed to be the wisest being there. Oh, but yes, the owner was gentle, sage, imaginative and funny.

We liked the funny part. And the closing ceremony…where twirling was performed as a fine art and the dog barked.

Squeeze the tube.

I find toothpaste is not a subject most jump into.

And the more exciting tube for me is one containing acrylic paint.

How much effort to put into getting the last drop by squeezing and flattening may be a result of mood and of course, personality.

Or comedy!

The tidy rows of rice.

Many things running in a straight line seem like a sign of success.

I am delighted when I plant something and it grows and remains in a cheerful state for more than a few weeks.

And yet, one day I might become, in a sense, a farmer.

I used to grow radishes when I was ten years old.

Well…that’s a good start!

The fog was so thick we couldn’t see the plate of smoked vegetables and fish set down in front of us.

We couldn’t even see the table.

We lifted the fork, invisible, all fog – no substance.

Stange feelings arose. If nothing was visible, did it exist….we could see the fog.

Casual attire was fine.

Then there was surfing and expert tasting.

They all gave written consent, there were many tunnels on that road.

Signs warned of bears, and in this part of the world they were frequent visitors. They seemed to like the glistening highway.

Pausing the journey at the roadside service centres was a delight. Small tasty bites and warm smiles were always available.

A new land, and many other discoveries