Why I Live In Sri Lanka
Me and Achchi after voting.
People often ask me why I live in Sri Lanka. I find this a rather strange question, but here is one answer. My family is here. Lately, I’ve been in the neighborhood and I have lunch with my Achchi (grandmother) at least once a week. On one level, I will never starve in this country. On a more important one, it is a blessing to spend time with the people I love.
So I had some rice and fish curry and chatted about relatives and what country my father was in. After lunch we sat on the porch and looked into the newly manicured garden. My Achchi told me about when I was a child, when she’d come to help care for me in Vancouver (Canada).
She said that somedays we’d go outside and she let me run around without my diaper. Once I was supporting myself on a short wall and I started peeing. She described how I looked down, utterly fascinated and somewhat confused at this strange occurrence. Apparently I was used to simply peeing my pants and the actual mechanics came as something of a surprise.
We both laughed, and I can tell that she still sees that child when she looks at me. That is a look that never softens. There are all manner of reasons to live somewhere, but I would really miss these moments and memories if I was abroad. It truly is nice to be around family. I know they care for me unconditionally, and it’s nice to be able to do little things for them, especially as everyone is getting older. I’m not the best grandchild or anything, but I don’t think my Achchi wants much more than an occasional visit. It’s nice to be able to do that. For me.
Great post. I live away from my family at the moment, and feel exactly the same. I’m more torn though, because my parents live in Colombo, my sister in the US, and the things I love to do (workwise) can’t really be done in either country. I don’t quite know what the solution is.
awwwww…Achchi….
Indi, lovely weather, great spliff and warm people must help too. The rice and curry I agree with big sigh…
There are few events in our lives the freedom decreases, first day at school for the first time, but to gain in back in decade later giving you freedom to go any place you want and live any place you like. And then again the first day at work. But most importantly the day your first child had born. They say parent’s brain physically changes after that. I wonder how much priority been with Achchi may receive at that point. But then again, yes, it is all about family and been with love once and been loved in a comfortable setting. wish you continue to enjoy the same feeling for years to come.
Yes after all its their love most important to our lives (Parents, Grand Parents), as we can not get that form wealth..
Its wonderful that you have understood that..
But if are in a position to leave here with them that will be the best option, as things here getting more and more stupid and ugly..
Oh, I miss achchi.. :( Give my love to her will you? tks..