Thank Goodness I teach Emotional Intelligence, it's helped me through this quagmire of relocation:
Hey there, fellow adventurers! It's time for me to dust off my networking hat and grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine, depending on the time zone)—because I have recently completed on a journey of epic proportions: the rollercoaster ride of relocating to a whole new continent, culture, and home sweet home. By the Way Africa is and always will be my home - in my heart right now! This is an interlude of sorts. Picture this, at the airport, suitcases in one hand, dreams of grandeur in the other, ready to conquer the world. But little did I know, the world has a few surprises up its sleeve—and they're not all sunshine and rainbows.
First up, the joys of packing up! Oh, how we love stumbling around like zombies, trying to remember our own names, what we need, what we dont -two different climates to prepare for! The container has still not reached the new home! Umm 3 months later -Red Sea malarkey! Who knew that travelling with a French Bulldog could be so much work. Patience required, as well as a few calm me down sips. oh and the piles of beurocratic (sp) paperwork, thank goodness I have an education and know how to fill in a form!
Now, let's talk culture shock. From navigating driving in a LH drive car on the RHS of the road! to dodging delivery bikes that zoom past like green and orange missiles, sand in everything, and a plethora of buildings that make light pollution seem like a natural wonder. It's safe to say that blending in like a chameleon isn't exactly my strong suit. i keep getting into the wrong side of the car, and using the window buttons to change gear!
But hey, every cloud has a silver lining, right? And in this case, that silver lining comes in the form of hilarious mishaps and unexpected friendships, the chance to improve my golf, do some art, and experience some of the best gastronomy on the planet.
And let's not forget about the joys of finding a place to call home in a sea of unfamiliar faces and strange-sounding street names. The 'miss my family and friends struggle' is real, But hey, at least I can travel and visit and zoom! I have the desert, sea, mountains, and mangroves all within an hours drive.
So here's to the ups and downs of relocation, my new adventures and plans. Here's to the laughter, the tears, and the occasional urge to book the next flight back home. But most importantly, here's to the connections we make along the way—the friendships that bridge the gap between continents and cultures, and the memories that will last a lifetime.
So let's raise a glass (or a mug of coffee, for the caffeine addicts among us) to new beginnings, old friends, and the wild ride that is life. Because when it comes down to it, the world may be big and scary, but with a little laughter and a lot of courage, there's nothing we can't conquer.
Until next time, Keep on exploring, keep on laughing, and most importantly, keep on connecting. Because in the end, it's the people we meet along the way that make the journey worth it. And oh -
I love it here!!