I’m back in Hong Kong after a grueling cross-continental flight that took me from Berlin to Hong Kong, which included a plane change in Moscow. There was snow on the runway in Moscow, so after a three-hour layover at the crack of dawn in Sheremetyevo airport, we boarded the plane and then sat on it for an extra hour while airport officials tried to ensure a safe and ice-free take off.
I’m a little bit sad to be back here, which probably has a lot to do with a nagging stomach illness that I can’t seem to shake (in Germany, Liebling took care of me!), the grey skies that have taken up residence in Hong Kong (not very inspiring), and the cold weather here (it’s definitely winter now, and buildings in Hong Kong have no insulation nor central heating so it is quite nippy even inside). Needless to say, I am feeling kind of blah. And a bit overwhelmed. I’ve been sick in bed with this stomach thing for the last two days and have missed work. I will be super busy with catching up when I get back. I’m trying to exhale.
But, before you feel too sorry for me…! It is 2011 now! A time for new beginnings, new adventures, and (hopefully) a (re)new(ed) and improved ME.
2010 was a big year for me both personally and profesionally, and I’m hoping to continue the trend through 2011.
With that being said, there are big changes up ahead for 2011. Namely job-wise. I decided not to renew my teaching contract in Hong Kong, so come June 17, 2011, I will quit Asia and head off to my next adventure. Where to, you ask? I’m not sure yet, and it actually feels pretty awesome to not really know. I DO know that I have to head to the States for about 6 weeks this summer to complete a couple courses needed to finish up my Master’s degree. I also know that a visit or even a couple of months in Toronto is on the agenda. But after that? Not entirely sure. Liebling and I are flirting with the idea of travelling to South America together and doing a massive road trip, or me joining him in London and finding work there. I’ve always wanted to live in Paris and miss living in France dearly, so this might also be the perfect opportunity to make my dream a reality. I could possibly teach over there. Or au pair. Or take a class at the Sorbonne. Or eat croissants all day and just exist. Who knows?
Not me.
Not yet.
So I’m looking forward to what this new year holds. I will enjoy my remaining months in Hong Kong to the fullest, continuing to make memories that I will treasure years down the road. The possibilities are endless, and the excitement level is high.
2011, I’m ready.
51 Comments
I hope your stomach virus will disappear soon and all the best with the future plans after Hong Kong, be blessed in 2011
Well, have fun in HKG until you exit later this year. It must be empowering and liberating to have so many wonderful choices. Good luck.
Happy New Year! Oh that darn stomach bug is going around; I think I picked up something too this weekend. I’ve been on ginger ale for the last 2 days. This post is fitting for the New Year since I’m sort of going through the same thing with school, not as extravagant as your jet setting nature. You’re a smart cookie, I’m sure you’ll figure out what to do next. Sometimes taking a breather is all you need; remember to do YOU first and the rest will fall into place!
so cool! There was a blog once by Meagan Lyles or something…she and her man bussed through S. America…she's a writer and he's a photographer…she was on np too!
feel better and good luck!
here it is!!
http://www.meganlyles.com/travelogue.cfm
Ugghh stomache virus! Sorry about that, I hope you are back to yourself very soon.
Little advice-should I be studying for a TESL/TEFL or TOEFL? When I got books for the latter, they seemed to be for foreign speaking ones learning English to attend college.
@kimvan: thank you!! it's been a few days of being sick at home in bed but it's starting to get better!
@rhona: thanks so much for your well wishes! im excited for what the future will bring!
@samantha: great advice about being true to yourself and everything else following… sorry to hear that you're sick as well! i would drink ginger ale but it's hard to find in hk!
@Mae: yes, i totally remember her blog and read it religiously! i wonder what she's up to nowadays?
@lei: actually im not entirely sure because i haven't done either! i think that the toefl is for people who dont have english as a mother tongue and need to prove that they have sufficient knowledge.
Actually I was able to get 2 very informative books from the library. One on working overseas and the other on teaching english. They both provided a plethora (love that word!) of info on how to get started and who to be in contact. So far 2011 is the year to have something to look forward to.
Hopefully you are feeling much better and pretty much back to normal. Love your pictures. Istanbul was never on my travel list, but I believe it might have just been added.
Very exciting! I wish you the best.
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