It has been rather a significant while since i have had time to post anything, life has a way of just getting in the way of things such as what are generally rather self-indulgent musings. In this post however, I would like to be relatively festive, unfortunately as I write this post, I am fighting off exhaustion after having endured 3 of the hardest days of my life, and so I ask your forgiveness if there is the slightest tinge of bitterness towards the airline that delivered me 30 hours late without my luggage.
Having said that, Christmas is a time for celebration, a time for family, a time for friends and a time for reflection on the year past. As I write this, I am sitting on a couch, watching Mission Impossible with my best mate in London, and whilst my journey here has left more than a little to be desired, the important thing is that I have made it and will get to enjoy Christmas here. I must give a big shout out and thankyou to Manuel and Brigitta who have been extremeloy hospitable and invited Dave and myself to celebrate Christmas with them. Also, to Ian and Cathy who have allowed me to stay at their place in the 'Dam.
After Christmas I will be off to spend some time in Germany with Lisa and her family prior to once again being in Amsterdam for nearly a week before work summons me back to the southern hemisphere.
I must admit that there is a tinge of sadness associated with this years christmas, as it will be the first time since Dylan was born that our family will be at all divided for Christmas. Thankfully, modern technology, in particular Skype will mean that we get some degree of connection throughout our festivities.
Christmas has a way of making you only focus on those things which are really important and matter. When I look back across the year, I know that there have been some horribly trying experience, with many challenges along the way, however I could not recount a single one. The things I remember are those which I learned from, the friends I made, and the sights I saw.
Here are a few of my favourite memories from my year:
- Rotorua - What a way to kick off the year, spending time with my best mates before I left the country.
- First day in Chile - whilst a little Jetlagged, I remember the thrill of the adrenaliine coursing through my body in anticipation of the year ahead just after I put my foot on official chilean soil for the first time.
- Dave, arriving in Chile
- Going to Uruguay for Lunch,
- Safari in South Africa
- Winning my first quality adult chess tournament
- July 8th /9th, depending on who you ask
- Going snowboarding for ths first time
- Speaking to Oliver Tickner on Skype for the first time
- Seeing my parents at the JFK Airport
- First steps on European Soil
Finally, a very Merry Christmas to my Grandparents. Hopefully that I have written a post will mean that you cut me some slack before I need to write a new one.\\
