Fear is nothing more than an obstacle that...

...stands in the way of progress. In overcoming our fears we can move forward stronger and wiser within ourselves.

Inspired today by Amber Rae's article about facing our fears, I decided to own up to my own.

What areas of your life do you feel are untapped and unexplored? What makes you tense up when you think about it?

I'm thinking deeply about this and coming up with a plan of action. A plan that aligns with my future and beliefs. That will make me the best version of myself. 

11 months to the day

Back in 2007

We met in July 2007.

Best friends for 4 years.

Married last year, on the 14th of April, 2011.

We changed so much all those years as our friendship got stronger: he'd just flown in from Johannesburg - jobless, penniless, all his friends still in Brazil or London.
I was at university - jobless, penniless, my friends slowly leaving for their countries of origin.

We used to wonder the streets of Barcelona, a bottle of sangria shared under the sun, stretched out in the Ciutadella park, talking. Getting lost in the old town, splitting the cost of a drink in small terrazas hidden in stone squares. Two souls adrift, living off dreams of exotic places - or to be more honest: B regailing me with tales of his travels in the Amazon and Asia as I closed my eyes and let my mind fly.

Now we're changing together. 

*Random fact: the young lad in the background with a green Tee and cap? I met him on that first day I introduced myself to B. Fast forward 4 years, he was my husband's best man at the wedding.

"Region of Cows"

Who would have thought that was once how Goa was known?

I woke up today with mixed feelings: Thursdays are hardcore; I work from 9:30am to 9:30pm. I'll be honest; I'd never worked 12h days before. Although I have a huge, newfound respect for my free time. Now it's a commodity, I'm a lot more discerning when it comes to deciding what to do with it.

So as I brushed my hair before getting in the shower, fighting the urge to run back to bed and hide, I realized that in under two months I'll be on a train to Goa, or Cow Country.

125km of beaches bordering India's west coast. 

A history of trance parties and hippies stuck in the 60's, mixing with the ancient culture and spirituality of Hindus and Buddhists, all dancing together on the shores of the ocean.

It's not the parties that call me, however. Of course we'll go to one; who can pass up the chance to boogie barefoot in forest clearings, surrounded by jungley trees and people from all over the world bopping to the beat? Every single person there grateful, in that precise moment to be right there, in India.

At the risk of sounding very new-agey, I crave Southern India to heal. To take a deep breath, digest the changes in my life, look around and feel alive.

Do nothing but read, meditate and explore.

I'll be taking in the following sights in person, so soon, so very soon:

A Good Sort of Sad

As I write this, the unshed tears make my eyes sting.

I'm missing my family in advance.

I cannot put into words the sheer excitement and wonder that take my breath away when I try to imagine my new life. I say try, because of course nothing will prepare me for the moment we get off the bus after a long and winding journey, and set foot for the first time in the dusty, crowded and noisy streets of Kathmandu. Looking around not as tourists, but as citizens. Walking through the throngs of people that first day, imagining which stall will become our favourite place to eat dhal bhat (traditional Nepali rice and lentil soup).

We arrive with no job, no home, no friends. So every interaction is jam packed with a thousand possibilities. I've never experienced anything like this, I've never been faced with so many opportunities opening up around me. Starting over new, a chance to reinvent myself, to push my bounderies, to embrace uncertainty. To study an Asian language, forcing my tongue into unpronounceable positions, smiling at saddhus as I skip between dozens of motorbikes, their owners pressing firmly and without pause on their high-pitched horns. Practicing yoga properly in a small alley studio before going home, picking up some spices whose name I don't know on the way back. I feel as though I'm stepping out of my life and into a brand new existance. One where electricity is not guaranteed.

काठमांडौ - Kathmandu

Came across this photo of Kathmandu.

My heart-strings tugged and butterflies ran amock in my stomach.

Can't wait to meet you, future hometown <3

Instead of Complaining that the Rosebush has Thorns...

... be Happy that the Thorn Bush has Roses.

Always makes me smile :)

The first thing I heard was the whinging. Commuting to work a couple of mornings ago, I sat down in front of a loud, very bitter looking, middle-aged blonde. For the entire 10 minute ride she barely paused to breathe - too much to say about her new boss. All bad, obviously.

This triggered several memories of epic moans I've had about bosses in the past. But no longer do. Why? Because when I stopped the bitchin' I stopped getting annoyed about what I was bitchin' about. No, really, hear me out. I'm a bit of a worry wart (thanks Dad!) and in our society complaining in the norm. It's an ingrained part of the watercooler effect; it's what pours out of our mouths when we have nothing else to say, it makes us feel accepted in society. I mean, everyone does it. What is more natural than having a kvetch about your boss? Nada. Sidenote: love that word, kvetch!

The next day, I was sitting in a favourite bar indulging in my Tuesday Ritual: I pick a bar near my house and take my Kindle out for a red wine. Me, myself and my thoughts. And a notebook. I write down plans and random projects, I sometimes scribble pictures in the corners, I read my e-books and take notes. I love this ritual. Suddenly my phone rang (which is why it's usually not invited for Tuesday drinks); it's one of my closest friends.

Reason #7881 I Love Teaching: Spontaneity!

What happens when:

Excited birthday girl 

+ 

Face paint

Obviously. 

I heart Sundays

It just doesn't get better than this

Hasn't always been the case. Not that long ago, when I was still allowing myself to indulge in negative thoughts and the occasional knee-deep wallow in self-pity, Sunday made me miserable. I felt that although I didn't hate my job, everyone else was dragging their feet, Monday menacing just around the corner. Not so much thunderstorms as drizzling rain. The type that just doesn't stop. The type you find in England, which is why I won't live there (then again, Nepal has an average of 23 days of rain in July...hmm).

But I digress. I now absolutely freakin' love Sundays. It's the day I get my husband all to myself for the whole day. We're working crazy hours to save up money before we leave and B works Saturday morning, so Sunday is special.

I wake up at the crack of dawn, make tea and write. At a more decent time I take in a mug of steaming coffee and thus our weekend begins! Our dog jumps onto our bed, excited for a bit of petting and family time.

An Ode to my Hood: Barceloneta

When I found this poem about Barceloneta, I simply had to share it. It paints a vivid image of my beautiful neighbourhood, especially the smell. An exciting mix of fried fish and suntan lotion. For me, the smell of happiness.

Barceloneta by the beach, sun, sea, hot sand at your feet

Colourful umbrellas, sombreros facing the sun

Filled with people having fun.

Palm trees that adorn this place

Showing its beautiful face

Boats cruising along and people singing a song

Some drinking a glass or two

Naked men a few to view

The smell of tortilla seeping through

Paella, Mariscos by the plate full

Ice-cream to keep you cool

Filled with sunshine and hot days

For everyone to enjoy the sun rays

A cerveza to keep one cool

Suntan lotion don’t be a fool

Ladies showing their breasts

Not always looking their best

Sunhats, flip flops and balls

Makes this a sunny spot for all.

Barceloneta is filled with fun

There’s something for everyone.

(the poem's from here)

I wake up to the sound of guitars - buskers here go into the restaurants and bars, play a lively song and collect loose change. In quick pursuit the rose sellers arrive, followed by an African gentleman who's wooden carved bracelets are yours for less than the price of a cañita (beer).

Sometimes...

I watch guilty pleasures like... My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding. Learning about other people's lives is fascinating; this series looks at the lives of travellers in the UK, it's sometimes funny, sometimes sad and sometimes inspiring.
I'm glad it's cold outside because... I am so thankful for every extra ray of sun. It makes them more special.
I wish I could just pay someone good money to... get all our visas, documentation and finances in order for our upcoming trip. I find it soul-destroyingly boring.
I love discovering unexpected movie gems like... Into the Wild. I'd never do it but it gave me incredible dreams that night. Snowy dreams are the best: you don't feel the cold.
I feel like a 5 year old when... I get my hands on some wool, notebooks, pens and pencils. Stationary makes me happy.
I feel like it's one of the world's great injustices when... it's a beautiful day, I have to work but I walk past people enjoying a coffee on a terraza outside.
I write a blog post and realize that... I'm stoked about my life and where it's going.
I feel inspired to be a better person when... I watch TED talks. Knowing I'm the same race as these amazing people gives me strength to better myself.