Been having a bad case of the missing home blues these past few days. It's a funny thing, going travelling. When sitting at home I feel homesick for the places I've been and the people I've met. When away from home, I feel homesick for all that I have left behind.

It's true that you have to leave something behind before you fully appreciate it for what it is. As well as the major one of missing family and friends like crazy, it's also the small things that you miss. Ask any South African abroad and they will tell you that they would do anything just for some Nandos, a braai, Cadbury's, aromat, Redrover (erm ok, each to his own) you name it. For me, it's a Saturday. Nothing special, just a typical summer Saturday in Jozi. Lying out in the sunshine, the smell of someone's chop n a dop wafting over the wall, the rugby or cricket on the tv with maybe one of our random 30 min thunderstorms in the afternoon. There really is no place like home.

For those of you who don't know, home for me at the moment is a huge Addams Family style house (without the creepy dancing hand, although in this chaos it's a bit touch and go) in Rapid City amongst an assortment of other interns from all over the world - South Africa, India, England, Russia, Thailand, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Maldova. Last count there were about 25 of us.

As you can imagine, it gets pretty crazy at times. It's kind of like an international Big Brother with a mix of very different cultures and personalities. (I'd totally be the chick who's always crying in the Diary Room wanting to escape or the one always stuffing her face with chocolate). Luckily everyone, for the most part, all gets along with each other and we have started picking up each others ways and phrases (why is it that you always learn the bad ones first?!), without realizing it. Had quite a giggle when I overheard an "Eish" coming from an Indian.

A few days ago, it was time to say goodbye to some of our peeps from Chile and Brazil. We had a little party down in our basement which they had decorated with their flag, balloons and lots of Caprina (national cocktail of Brazil. Salud!) Was good fun, they had us all learning the Tango and other Latin dances and of course a lesson in proper Caprina drinkage. (Sigh, what a tough life)

Was really sad saying goodbye. It's amazing how close you can get to people in such a short space of time and how you become a sort of family, looking out for each other, laughing, living and learning together.

So, I guess the lesson to be learned here is that as long as you are with good people who care about you, home is never too far away and even those who are far away are just a thought away.

Anyway, enough soppy for one day. Violins are starting to play, cats are howling etc etc, so till next time xx

"Home is not where you live, but where they understand you." - Christian Morgenstern