Happy (U.S) Thanksgiving! Hopefully the travel mayhem of yesterday has died down and everyone is now settled somewhere, about to eat lots of food and watch football. Or shopping.

Here in JA, I am grateful that all my family and friends are happy, healthy and safe. In less than three weeks, I will be seeing most of them as I am headed north for the holidays. I will also be moving apartments prior to my departure due to some safety issues. This impending move has made me ponder what I will miss, both about my apartment and JA in general. List time.

(For the apartment) 1. The sunsets. Every night, I am privy to a glorious show over the harbour. If you look closely enough in the picture, you can also see the cranes used to move all the stuff shipped in and out of Kingston. I love those cranes, they have come to have a presence of their own in my mind. They are constant sentinels, observing all the activity of this harbour city.

2. The security guards. I will definitely miss these characters. Miss Monica’s singing about Jesus, Miss Henry directing me to buy her peanuts or mango, Mr. Fraser’s constant appraisal of my appearance.

(For JA). 1. I will miss the people. Both those I have come to know and care about and those I don’t know. In general, I will miss the energy, friendliness and passion of the people. It will be a shock, I think, to return to the reserved ways of Canadians. (I am also headed to the Bahamas and the U.S., both places are more exuberant, so there will be less of a culture shock).

2. The weather. Enough said. Actually, I will add that I am experiencing genuine fear about how my body will react to the cold, below zero temperatures. I can’t avoid it though, my running partner has already scheduled me in for a run outside.

3. The energy of the city. As I’ve said before, I love it here because it is never boring. I learn or experience something new everyday, which is a gift.

4. Buying fruit, fresh from the tree, anytime, anywhere.

5. The music constantly playing anytime, anywhere.

There are more things, I’m sure, that I will miss and that will only make their presence known once I am back on North American soil. I am also now compiling a list of things I will NOT miss. Stay tuned.