I have always, in the short four-year span of his life, had a rather challenging relationship with my middle nephew, mainly perhaps owing to both our recalcitrant natures. But of late, as he has grown into a walking and talking back little person, I've found I enjoy his maddening company a little more, for its banter and entertainment, and the insights into that incredibly warped mind of his that is light years beyond his physical age.
In fact, when I got back from a recent five-day family holiday, I found myself missing his thorny presence. Waking up without the threat of his diminutive spectre clutching toy bunnies, one in each hand, was although calming, a little unsettling. There are no unexpected extras attempting to crawl into my bed for a last minute snuggle. Or the possibility of an odiferous toy shoved up my nose to wake me.
Last night, after a phone call with Ijam to discuss a last minute roofing matter (I am amazed sometimes how I now sound like a contractor!) I realised that La Pari-Pari's journey will always be dated by this nephew, and how Langkawi and our little resort will always be intertwined with some of the firsts in his life. He was only six months old when my sister and I took that first flight out to seek a bed and breakfast for purchase in Langkawi. It was his first time to an island.
And now he, and the project turn four this year. Some people are aghast that it's taken us this long to get to where we are. I, at times, am surprised it hasn't taken me longer. But perhaps that is because where
my other passion is concerned, it's taken me near thirty years to get to a state where I feel things are finally moving. So four years, is a relatively short gestation period in my books.
I realised yesterday too, that only a mere twenty-odd weeks remain until my life changes in a most profound way. We began laying the concrete foundation yesterday for the first block of rooms, and already, I can see the physical structure begin to emerge. Looking at the photographs from Ijam were like looking at a ghost - my eyes disbelieving that this thing I had long dreamed about is finally becoming real, and is no longer a figment of my imagination.
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Din, our head contractor, after completing the concrete foundation of our first block. His initial attempt was thwarted by three straight days of rain, so he has much to be happy about here!
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I can't wait till my next visit, when I get to run my bare feet on the concrete, dangle my legs on the edge of the empty swimming pool and take silly Bollywood photos against the bare columns of the building.
I promise you will all bear witness through this blog, to the first time I walk through our rooms :-)
Love and light,
Karina!
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