First day back at work today and I'm taking a moment out to reflect.
2015 was a rather good year for me on balance.
Last New Year's Eve was spent in the most wonderful capital city on earth (London). I then had to make a difficult decision about a new job in KL. I accepted it, but was then offered something by the competition which wasn't planned, but something I couldn't turn down.
I thus moved to Dubai. After 6 months, I've met some fabulous people and had a whale of a time. I'm truly happy living in the desert. wink emoticon
Baxter and I had a stupendous year full of travels and merriment. We ticked off some new countries together (Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia) and revisited some old favourites (France, UK, HK - OK China LOL).
I left Kenya, but have already been back (twice) to a place that will always be in my heart.
I got to see the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland and was suitably impressed at the region's sophistication, magnificent scenery and generous people.
I then got to visit Beirut, Riyadh & Jeddah with work and my preconceptions about many of these places (including the UAE) are being challenges, changed (for the good) and enhanced - mainly by the incredible people I've met - at work and outside of it.
Some friends had their personal challenges in 2015 and I hope they know I was there for them - and I wish them much happiness in 2016. You know who you are wink emoticon
For those of you who know me, you'll be cheered to learn that I've already created our Travel & Holiday Excel spreadsheet for the year and Baxter and I have packed schedule.
Oman, Malaysia, UK, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Kenya, France, Italy - are all in the offing.
This New Year's Eve was eventful with a gigantic fire at the Address Downtown Hotel, Dubai which had the potential to consume many lives - miraculously no-one died - nonetheless, it's not an event I want to repeat.
As I hurtle towards the grand old age of 45, I'm heartened by a recent Facebook app which indicated I was going to live to 117 or more. So I'm not even close to being middle-aged.!!
Hope to celebrate this fact with as many of as possible in Maryport, London & Dubai.
Happy New Year everyone - be blessed (as I know I am); be crazy (as I'm oft told I am); be healthy (as I mostly am, luckily); and be brave (as I try to be). We are this way but once - grab it tight and have a ball.!
