A Conversation Started on the Bed, Putting Emotions into Words
Our first day in Sydney, a brief moment of rest.
Laying in our respective beds, we quietly reflected on the day, lost in thought.
An unfamiliar city, strange air, but even more unfamiliar was this much continuous time spent closely together as a family.
"Honey, actually I have something I'm hoping for on this trip."
After a moment of hesitation, I carefully brought it up to my husband.
"Huh? What is it?"
"I... hope we can express our emotions or stress well with words during this trip.
Let's not suppress things, and I especially hope the kids can be more honest."
My husband quietly nodded.
"You're right. Since traveling takes us out of our daily routine, it's actually an opportunity to open our hearts more."
The Meaning of Communication Taught by a Spoonful of Gravy Sauce
Just then, our first child, who had been listening to our conversation, carefully chimed in.
"Mom, I felt like that earlier when we talked about the gravy sauce at KFC.
Even though I said it didn't taste good, Dad listened with a smile."
"That's right, Dad didn't get upset even when you spoke honestly, did he? That's what's important.
Talking honestly with each other, but in a way that respects the other person's feelings."
Our second child added too.
"Right! I also said I didn't really like the gravy sauce, but Dad smiled and said 'It's still a taste with memories for me'."
My husband smiled as he looked at our two daughters.
"Even the same food can be experienced differently by different people. Dad was actually more grateful that you spoke honestly."
The beginning of our month in Sydney, the message of communication delivered by a spoonful of gravy sauce.
It was a small conversation, but a meaningful start for our family.
Excitement Greater Than Fatigue, Taking Our First Steps in Sydney
After our short break, my husband said.
"Now that we've rested a bit, should we head out? Let's go see Sydney!"
"Yeah, let's go!"
The kids answered energetically.
The fatigue still lingered, but the excitement of exploring a new city and the joy of our family starting to share our hearts were even greater.
We walked over to check the location of the Airbnb we'd be moving into two days later, and we came across the Darling Harbour and Barangaroo coastal walkways.
To have a place where we could walk while looking at the ocean right near our accommodation made us feel even better and look forward to the days ahead.
People sitting leisurely, drinking wine.
We looked around here and there, planning out the things we'd enjoy in the future.
A tiring but pleasant walk.
All the hardships from the flight were completely forgotten.
A time when our hearts were deeply immersed in the peaceful scenery.
We planned out the rest of the travels we would take.