Life is simple, in a complicated sort of way. There are delicious communal meals, visitors and old friends popping by, the garden outside, neighbours that wave, say hello, and ask how things are going. Hikes in the forest, trees, and mountains, swimming in the quarry, and playing with the dogs. People straddled across three different houses, all quietly perched in front of their computers, either listening to soft classical music, or the quiet hum of birds and cars outside.
At first glance, it all seems quite normal and effortless, even dull. But when you start paying closer attention, you realize that there are a few anomalies about. Small things at first, like two African hand crafted masks from Zimbabwe hanging on the wall near the kitchen, and and Eco Technology Kettle on the counter. Or a very pronounced abstract sculpture from South Africa next the to flat screen which has perched on it two traditional Venetian masks. Then you realize that nearly every piece of art and decor in the three houses has a special history and link to its owner from all across the world.
From this point forth you notice the larger deviations from the habitual. Like the conversation at lunch that started off discussing Princess Charlene of Monaco's ill-fitting wedding dress had quickly turned in to fashion ideals, deterministic elite fashion oppression, and slaves to the conformity. The old friend that popped in to visit on her way through town, is actually one of the delegates of the United Nations Environment Programme to the preparatory meetings for Rio +20, on her way through the valley on a 3 day high altitude glacier hike. The quiet half whispered conversation in the corner between two women, is actually them discussing the final draft of a Tilapia project proposal seeking to potentially solve the global protein gap. And the man intently fixed on his iPhone on the train is actually accessing the lastest debate and comments made by the member states of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe so he can incorporate them in to the next version of a revolutionary Sustainable Housing Treaty he's preparing.
The lesson? Life and people are never what they seem, especially here. Everyone and everything has a much more complicated, and yet much simpler side to it or them then one could ever grasp at first glance. Even at second. However, as intricate as everything may seem, it still has a very natural feel to it. Helping friends settle and move in to their new house remains the same, regardless whether you are moving priceless handcrafted vases from Africa and the couple is a Private chef from New Zealand and a multi talented once refugee from Zimbabwe. Going over to cheer up a friend who's feeling down still has the same humbling and heartwarming feeling, even if you actually need her help because a Final Report for the United Nations Environment Programme is due, and the Chief Executive Officer is on the phone. A walk is still a walk, whether around the neighbourhood or strolling past 400 year old grange's on your way to the telecabine for a high altitude rock climb at 2700m. And the most delicious bio organic vegan meal you have ever tasted, is still just a family supper around the table.
