Letter to a stranger

Dear stranger,

Where are you now? You thought you would find the exotic but only found life. Neither the transformation of public space into a public w.c. shockes you. The cows that wander are part of your life and the monkeys jumping from branch to branch are just one more detail of your village.

Where are you now? You thought of finding other worlds and you just find that you are part of a larger one. That barefoot children share the same smile and the joy as the ones back home. That here, as back there, you have to be alert for anyone who wants to trick you but always open to anybody who is willing to help you.

You no longer surprised by the lively colors that make up your vision. Don't feel distant, but that the palm trees that line beside the river are your landscape. Something that comforts your soul. Fills you with tranquility.

Where are you now? Where did you go with your insecurity and fear of the unknown? Thought you would find it faraway but just found a village that is yours, people who are your peers and a world that is also yours.

You should be here, by my side, as I am happy to find new worlds in my world. Not feel the absence but the presence, and don't feel distant but the proximity of mankind. But I think I know where you are. You are within me. It was you that permited me to be here today, to live this life and write these words ...