AROUND THE WORLD...

Last night's dream had me transported to other lands and cultures.  There was aways a bit of edge to them, as though a wrong word or gesture would put me into danger.  Here's what I can remember

Scene 1 - I am in a huge theatre or arena, it is filled with people and all of them are dressed in rich Tudor outfits.  My gown is of deep yellow silk with a quilted bodice, and beaded with pearls and yellow stones.  Somehow I feel as though I am an outsider, even though outwardly, I fit in with everyone else.  As I begin to walk to the bottom of the theatre, closer to the stage, I slip and suddenly see that the entire aisle is filled with slippery snow.  Too late!  I slide down this trecherous ski hill.  I am relieved to see that I'm not hxourt, but am not happy that I drew attention to myself.  It's almost impossible for me to get to the top again, because my shoes are simply not made for such a steep climb on the icy surface.  Other people are forming relay lines to help others, but none offer to help me.  I get a distinct sense that I everyone knows that I have been disgraced in some way and is avoiding even looking at me directly, all the while commenting softly behind my back.  I draw myself up proudly and holding onto the seats, I start making my way out of there.

Scene 2 - I am now in a country of hot climate in front of a huge white mansion.  The grounds are beautifully tended to, and there are large shade trees all around the gardens which are filled with exotic flowers.  I am holding onto a small girl, about 5 years old, whose blond hair is divided into three tiny ponytails on each side of her head.  It's important I keep her safe.  Beside us is a dark skinned bearded man, wearing a sapphire blue silk turban, tunic and pants.  I sense that he's our guardian, and without him we would not be able to enter the building.  I turn to the little girl and tell her how beautiful her curls are, trying to ensure she feels safe.  We walk towards the grand entrance, and I notice it is well guarded by a couple of tall men - their skins are so black they reflect almost blue and pick up on the same blue uniforms my guide is wearing.  They are also carrying rifles, and give off such an aura of brutal competance that it leaves me no doubt at all that had we not been escorted, we would have been shot dead on the spot.  

Scene 3 - Entering the mansion, we are greeted by women dressed in gorgeous saris of all different jewel colours.  Somehow the little girl is taken from me, but I know now she is safe.  The man bows politely at the door and leaves.  I realize that this is a woman's dwelling, and here in the cool halls of white marble dotted with sparkling fountains, the women can relax and be themselves - it's a haram!  I am shown to my room - just as beautiful and luxurious as I would imagine it to be - but am rather distressed when I cannot find any toothpaste either in my bag or in the sauna-like wasroom.  I go search for some, delighting in the serene presence of the other gracious women around me.  One gives me a tube, and tells me I must hurry.  She also gives me a sari of deep blue bordered with gold, and offers to assist me in putting it on.  Although I know how to wear this attire, I accept her offer, as a sign of bonding and good-will.

Scene 4 - I am out on a street with another man.  It's another hot country, but more dry and dusty.  There are animals like mules here, and the people are wearing brightly patterned cotton garments.  I recognize this as a desert community in Africa, just as I recognized that I was in India before.  We are sitting on a blanket that once was white, but is now gray with dust, with the red stripes that somehow managed to remain bright.  There are some ceremac bowls in front of us containing fruit and bread - all local stuff.  I relax and stretch my legs in front of me as I reach for a fig, and suddenly realize that in doing so, I have impeded a small motor vehicle from going along the road.  I hastily draw back and realize that I have done something very wrong - the driver is very angry with me.  In fact, the car is now turning around and coming back for us.  The driver, I'm very surprised to see, is an caucasian woman wearing army fatigues.  Her long curly red-blond hair pinned back at the nape of her neck.  She gets out brandishing a handgun and a knife.  But even before I see these weapons, I begin a string of apologies, which my male companion is echoing.  This pacifies her quickly and she tells me that she's just tired of the inconsideration a lot of people are showing her these days.  "You speak English!", she says, as though suddenly recognizing my own ethnic origin.  I find her crude and loud, but am relieved to see that I'm no longer in danger of being harmed.  In fact, she now promises to protect me, although in this country, the only sign of danger was from her.

Scene 5 - I am now whisked to another very large building in the mountains that is full of delegates from all over the world.  Again, I notice their beautiful ethnic garb - predominantly Indian, Oriental, and African - and am very pleased with my own appearance in the blue and gold sari.  It is a conference that will do much to promote world peace and harmony. As we mingle and the small groups begin to form, from one corner of the elegant hall, I hear chanting begin..."Nam Moy Ho Ren Ge Quo..."  The Buddhist chant of peace...