And then there were three...

By now the realities around the Ampang apartment have changed quite a bit. A while back - it seems much longer than it's been - Sammy and Erika hugged us goodbye and decended the escalators at the KL Central Train Station on to track 2 northbound, first to Thailand (Phuket and Bangkok) and then, by plane, to Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh and onwards), where, we are certain, they are enjoying each and every minute of Viet culture. Their final push will be the end of the month, when they move on to Hong Kong and then back to Europe.

We already miss them sorely, we must admit. We miss their smiles and singing to Irini in the back seat of the car (albeit in a rather tight fit). We miss their just showing up in the late morning to have breakfast, just hang out, check their email, or perhaps to watch TV. We miss the competitive nature of their table games (Yatzee and the "dice game"). Now they're gone and we have to assume that it will be similar one day when Irini too embarks on her own solo journey's without us. But that, hopefully, is a while off and between now and then there is much to do, to see, people to meet and cultures to blend into and live within.

For the time being Irini impresses everyone with her smile, with her quiet and rather philosophical demeanor, and her manner of being. She often puts herself to sleep with little or no crying at all, she smiles very very often and has begun her attempt at conversation. Without knowing exactly what the conversations is, of course, we talk right back and the vowels keep flying in all sorts of directions. It is rather amazing, if one thinks about it, what a 4 month old can do. She can stop entire classrooms and instantly magnetize everyone to rush toward her. She can make everyone - every one - in a room smile with anticipation of getting to meet her. She can bring an entire party to a halt as they all look at her trying to keep her head up. She can watch a volleyball practice and enjoy it thoroughly. Her only difficulty so far has been the attendance at large party-like gatherings where there are very large crowds and high-volumed music. The crowds alone seem to have little effect. Dad is already happy that she doesn't like the "party scene" but would rather be in a gym or walking (aka: being carried) down a school corridor.

Life is good. She is a living example of how simple things can be the most rewarding. A morning stretch on the cot. An afternoon nap on Natalia's stomach. An evening splash around while bathing. A smile that lasts all day long. Our journey to Ithaka is well under way.