My hands are in deep soapy water and the dishes clang together, making me wince. It's noise that goes through me, like finger nails down a chalk board. I stop, just for a moment with my hands poised and I watch the bubbles pop at random, my thoughts turning to something inane and pointless; my eyes fixated on something and I don't know why? I finish the dishes and wash the apple smelling soapy bubbles from my hands.

Click! The kettle has just boiled and here comes that hot cup of English tea again. I turn to look out of my kitchen window and I can see the sky beginning to clear and the temperature rising. I am sprung from my gaze as the toaster flicks its quarry from it two mouths and back in again. The bread is hot and it's best to butter it at this stage, tasty!

I don't watch that much television so I just sit and enjoy the emerging sunlight that's starting to penetrate the cool air. Everything seems new, shiny and for some odd reason, happier. People are walking past my window smiling and in their best attire. The old tree facing my house is shaking its leaves as though dancing in celebration of new warmth. It is really warm now.

The step, like in so many other countries must be the most sociable meeting place in the world. You get to talk to neighbours, say "Hello" to random strangers and watch life being lived. I watch as my neighbour gets in his car and start talking on his mobile phone. I watch as a cat sits, glaring high up at a bird in the tree, just waiting patiently for the right moment to arrive and catch its prey. Cars are sitting like obedient servants, waiting for orders from their master and the heat beginning to warm the seats inside.

I'm feeling sleepy now, the sun has begun to warm me and the rarity of sunshine in my country is treated with delight as the younger kids begin to fill the park, filling the air with innocent laughter and chatter. A time that is always taken for granted, but a time that we all, as adults, should cherish.

Upon waking, via my stomach telling me it's hungry, I find myself with a stiff neck and a numb backside. It's nice to know that I am safe, even in this empty town, devoid of money, but never devoid of pride.