Christine

well, not quite. :)

I still call Mum when I am too stupid to figure out how to do some basic paper work and rely on someone to fall back on.

But in theory, if all goes well, I can call myself financially independent ^^.
I am sponsoring my passions, such as my trips and my photography by myself and it truly feels good!

On top of that I think I might have found my dream job, so even the hours away from beautiful, culture packed cities and beaches allow me to have a good time during the week.

Being back in Europe is probably the biggest geographical step I have taken in 10 years.

There are a few subtle changes in the way how I lead my life, the responsibilities I am taking on and the relationship I have with my co-workers and family.

These are good times.

Since my last entry, I traveled back to Perth, Australia.
We had a lovely house at a beach and I managed to make it through three temporary positions where I learned more than I could hope for. Yes, my dreams of LA blew over, however the other experiences I had instead were just as rewarding and fulfiling… this year, my life took a little U-Turn, when I went back to Europe.

I love traveling and have actually now found a position at my Business School, which is located in Antwerp, Brussels, Zurich, Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona. What a fantastic place, surrounded by people who are so diverse, each from different backgrounds, most of them speaking at least 3 or 4 languages fluently…
The energy my students have are completely amazing and allow me to see “cold, freezing” Europe in a different light.

Since July 09 I have seen…

1) Perth, Australia (the one year work-holiday visa)
2) Berlin, Germany (the parents)
3) Lyon, France (Quality time with the Mum)
4) Saeuritz, Germany (country side..)
5) Basel, Switzerland (the best friend)
6) Barcelona (this time not to study, but to teach for the first time)
7) Metz, France (the church, the town, the countryside)
8) Antwerp, Belgium (my new home)
9) Paris, France (only 2.5h by train from Antwerp)
10) Amsterdam, Netherlands (only 2.5h by train the other way)
11) Prague, Czech Republic (for photos of course)
12) Leuven, Brussels, Gent; Belgium (all towns completely new to me)
13) Planned Christmas Trip: Indonesia
14) Planned trips in Brussels: Brugge

The possibilities little Belgium offers are endless, a quick flight to London is my next little dream after that.

Instead of partying away and spending my coins in booze bars, every month I can just duck off for a trip to an other culture.

I love the new work, as well as discovering new places by myself. My camera is extremely happy. I am learning French and hopefully Dutch soon, all courtesy of my lovely new work place.
Who would have imagined that work could be so much fun.

We made our mind up within responsible time span of 6 hours.
1) Get valid passport
2) Organize VISA (job/ student)
3) sort my bags
4) save some money

LA here we come ;)

July ‘09
No we are not :/ Plan change, plaaaan chaaaange!
Errr… Bercelona here I come?