Beijos, minha irmã…

Last week, I watched my sister fly downwards towards South America, where she’ll undoubtedly paint Brazil a brand new shade of red as she makes her home there for the next four years. I’ve watched her travel the world for roughly twenty years, and whenever I could gather up the time and money, I followed her–to Europe, to Africa, to Haiti, to various places around the States.

My sister and I in her bedroom many moons ago. Note the beloved 'Pound Puppy' in her hands! Hers or mine? Can't say for sure...

When I was 12 years old, I cried, completely inconsolable, when she moved to Italy. When she came home for Christmas that year, and left again after the holidays, I cried harder than before. Eventually, I stopped crying because I realized that all her travel abroad meant wonderful things. New homes abroad for her meant exciting trips abroad for me. In turn, exciting trips abroad to visit my sis meant quality time and good adventuring with her. So began many fun and memorable trips all over the place…

When I was fifteen years old, I went to West Africa on my own to stay with her for three months, and celebrated my sweet 16th during that time. I went back the next year for two months. Even at that young age, I knew better than to take such an experience for granted. This time spent in a quiet part of Africa, in the presence of my sister whom I admired and adored unabashedly, remains a uniquely formative and unforgettable time in my life.

My sister styling my mane back in the day. Sacred duty!

Long and scenic road trips, elegant train travel, not-so-elegant train travel, funny airplane rides, spine-rattling clunker taxis with herds of goat strapped to the roof–we’ve experienced it all together. She is–and will always be–my favorite travel partner. We haven’t done a big trip together in a longish while, so I think about Brazil with great excitement, thinking of the good times to be had when I go visit (often!) in the coming years.  The anticipation doesn’t fully make up for the heavy heartedness that I felt at her leaving, but it levels the emotional field a bit.

Me, my sister, Venice in 2004

So off I go to work on a little Portuguese, and to add people, places and things to my South America bucket list. And to my dear sister– happy trails to you; até logo!

My sister-- dressed as a traveling marchande, gazing out towards distant lands during the late 1970s.

11 Comments

  • Nathalie

    September 7, 2010

    OMG BECKYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!

    Reply
  • sunnyglobaldiva

    September 7, 2010

    Who’s becky, or should I ask my sister who that is?! 😉

    Reply
  • Moey

    September 8, 2010

    You two are the cutest. 🙂 I remember Italy like it was yesterday… and Yami missed Leez as much as Leez missed Yami. Sisters are the best. 🙂 Love to both of you.

    Reply
  • Monica

    September 8, 2010

    I am so excited to see the relationship that you two have forged and hope that as I prepare for my first major international assignment that my sister and I will have the great opportunities to bond as you two have shared! You guys are so wonderful it has been a blessing to meet you both.

    Reply
  • Monica

    September 8, 2010

    That was very touching Lise. Please let Yamy know I wish her all the best 😉

    Reply
  • Veronica

    September 8, 2010

    Lise, I love your post. I wish your sister much happiness in her new home and hope you guys have lots of wonderful memories and experiences ahead.

    Reply
  • sunnyglobaldiva

    September 9, 2010

    Thank you for the well wishes everyone 🙂

    Reply
  • Olive2010

    September 9, 2010

    Lis, loved your post! It was so sweet. I know how important sisters are, its such an amazing bond! Wishing safe and wonderful travels to your sis!

    xoxo

    Olive

    Reply
    • sunnyglobaldiva

      September 10, 2010

      Thanks Olive 🙂 I’ll pass your wishes along!

      Reply
  • isabel

    September 14, 2010

    lise! what a great post- such a great relationship u 2 have….i remember the stories from that trip to africa- i feel like i was there! i kept all the post cards you sent me too hahah!

    Reply
    • sunnyglobaldiva

      September 14, 2010

      Thanks Isabel! lol, omigosh, the postcards…I cringe when I read old postcards and letters that I wrote to friends and relatives when I was younger, LOL. I always end up thinking, “God, did I sound that dorky in real life?!” 😉

      Reply

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