Day 25 January 26, 2025

Nerve pain and travel

This morning, I woke up to nerve pain radiating down my right leg—a familiar but unwelcome sensation I hadn’t experienced in weeks. A warm shower failed to bring any relief.

By the time we reached Sydney Domestic Airport, the pain had spread to both legs. Sitting on the unforgiving metal stools at a café only worsened the discomfort, so we decided to move on to check-in. Thankfully, a last-minute upgrade to business class brightened the day. Soon, we were comfortably settled in the lounge, savouring a spread of cold meats, fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, and wines, while watching Qantas planes taxi to and from the maintenance hangars.

As we exit the airport in Townsville, the warm, humid air wraps around us like a familiar blanket. I feel a strange mix of exhaustion and relief. The kind of tired that comes not just from the hours of flying but from the whirlwind this trip has been. North Queensland’s air smells like home – earthy and slightly salty, with a hint of something tropical I can never quite pinpoint.

With the walk to the car, the weight of my bag tugs at my shoulder, a sharp reminder of the nerve pain that accompanied me through this journey. But as much as it’s slowed me down, it hasn’t stopped me. I think about the tin shack houses of Con Con, the towering Andes, and the quiet, reflective mornings in Santiago. It’s strange how pain can weave itself into travel, making every step feel harder but also heightening the joy in the small victories –the sheer act of showing up despite it all.

Getting closer to home and it feels oddly still. There’s no more itinerary, taxis to chase or flights to board. The thought of doing nothing tomorrow feels like a luxury. Sleeping in, stretching slowly, letting the day unfold however, it wants – no pressure, no plans. Maybe we’ll look through photos or reminisce about the places we’ve been, laughing about the hiccups along the way. Or perhaps we will let the day pass, allowing our minds and bodies to rest.

For now, the desire to be home and rest in our own bed is becoming more compelling.