Where to start when the last blog post was written sixteen months ago?
I asked that same question twelve months ago and didn’t find an answer. So I didn’t write anything. And then the longer I left it, the harder it got.
One thing I was strongly aware of in the winter in Siberia was that silence can be deafening. The absence of sound is such an unusual thing, I could not fail to notice it. The only source of sound was myself.

But then I came back from Siberia. Only, now, I was silent. At first my silence was a whisper; gentle ripples of uneasiness. But that uneasiness spiralled into something much bigger and darker. My silence grew louder and louder, shouting to be heard. But it was swallowed by the background noise of the world around me.
Over time, I have found my voice again. It has been a difficult journey. The struggle within myself has been far harder than any of the challenges I faced during my travels. I have been lower than I ever imagined possible. Whilst I may not be ready to write about those struggles, I am ready to write again. Hopefully someone is listening.
So this is where I begin afresh, and write about my new adventures. I have not forgotten about the challenges of the last year, and when the time is right, I shall write about those too. But for now, I want to look to the future, not dwell on the past…
Welcome back Helen. Good luck with future adventures.
Thanks Clive
Helen, I’m so happy you are writing again, because you have a very special gift. I hope you find the strength you need…
Writing helps… staying in that cherished past since that’s what you’ll write about but it feels that life wanna take its own path sometimes. Meanwhile, I found that playing the piano helps materialising the reality I’m longing for. Transform your silence into music, you’ll be surprised of the results. 🙂
Screaming silence of a winter trip > check
Inner struggles > check
Looking forwards? and sideways, up and down.
Torn between staying and going
Torn between together or alone.
Tailwinds, blue skies and rubber side down young lady 😉
Happy to have you back writing….special person x
Fancy a beer and a chat with someone who knows about that Siberian silence?
Sounds like a plan… although it may have to wait until I’m back in the country again!
Welcome back 🙂
Thanks Chris
Well done Helen. One step at a time.
And I say the same!! Welcome back Helen! Looking forward to further writings from you.
Good to have you back Helen
Cheers
Missed your vibes. Felt sad.
Hear your screams. Smiling.
Tuning your vocal chords? Ready to sing?
I’m all ears, even though I am deaf.
Now that you are finding yourself, again, let’s tap dance on our keyboards and play some more songs. 🙂
Welcome back and just as you overcame challenges and hardships on your trips this one will soon be behind you and you can look back and learn something about yourself. GOFORIT
Peter
‘The struggle within myself has been far harder’ … it’s been human.
Shane says it well ‘Tailwinds, blue skies and rubber side down young lady’
Get that bicycle out 😉
You inspire others.
It was because of a chance encounter with Lelo Munis (http://chiletokili.com/elvis-munis/) in Botswana while I was looking for flying work and following your cycle down through Africa, that got me back on my bicycle.
Thank you Helen x
Thanks Nigel. Great to hear that.It means a lot.
Good to hear a peep again. Thank you for getting back in the business of inspiring others. I think I can identify with you. keep that crank turning.