I'm not quite sure how to talk about this year because I feel confused. In some ways I feel like there has been a lot of experience and growth, and in other cases I feel stuck. Stuck because the path to what I want is so clear. Clear that is, until I decide I don't want it.
So last year I spent Christmas in southern Spain, and New Year in Portugal. It was one of the best New Years of my life as I got to to spend it with interesting people from all around the world.
I had a tough semester of teaching, and faced many new classrooms challenges which helped me to grow. I honestly miss the tough group of kids I had last year.
In March I FINALLY got to meet up with Lewis in Georgia and we had an amazing 2 weeks of road tripping through Georgia and Armenia. Georgia and Armenia are beautiful countries filled with delicious food and wine. Georgia is becoming a more popular destination, but Armenia still isn't very heard of.
May was filled with a few long weekend, which I took full advantage of by exploring Kazakhstan outside of Almaty. I headed to the freezing(yes in May) capital of Astana, the wonderment of traditional Shymkent, and and got to enjoy the beautiful nature of Charyn Canyon, Lake Kandai, and Kolsai lakes. All made me realize how lucky I am to be living in a country that is so overlooked.
In July Lewis came to visit Almaty for a few days before we headed to Ukraine together. Then I continued my journey, solo, to Romania. I enjoyed my time exploring the little villiages, and eating traditional meat dishes.
Then I headed home for a few weeks to see my family, and watch my best friend get married. It was such a pleasure to be part of her big day.
In October I met Lewis for a week in Italy where I ate my way through pizza, pasta, and gelato.
The new school year has brought new challenges, as it always does, but a few weeks ago we moved into a beautiful new campus where I have a mountain view.
A year ago I was in Spain wishing so much to be someplace else, someplace less alone. The chaos of the last year has left me wanting something I didn't know I'd ever want: settled. I feel like maybe I'm starting to get there. In 2019 I'm looking forward to my final season in Kazakhstan with more nature walks and runs, some travel in Central Asia when work finishes, a trip home for my brother's wedding, and a move to Abu Dhabi to give this whole settled thing a try with a cute guy I know.
Merry Christmas everyone!
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