Life Lately and Upcoming Travels: My November 2014 Adventures
Life Lately...
Three weeks ago, I landed in Sri Lanka, immersing myself once again in Asia's warm, humid embrace. The month began in New York, followed by a nostalgic return to London—my former home—over pints with old friends. I then escaped the chilly fall to attend the TBCasia travel bloggers conference in Colombo and explore Sri Lanka independently.
This has been an exhilarating month. In New York, I savored the best of autumn before November's fog, rain, and snow arrived. My London visit stirred mixed emotions—memories of my first 'grown-up' job post-graduation and building a life with the woman I once thought I'd marry. Stepping off the train at Victoria Station brought back bittersweet recollections from our three years there. Yet, I rediscovered London's charm, the aspects that drew me since 2007. Though time was short and November weather unforgiving, the freedom to return anytime eased my departure. I even daydreamed about basing myself there again, post-corporate life.
On my final sunny day, I wandered favorite neighborhoods with a smile, only for rain to pour as I boarded my flight—leaving with a full heart.
Travel has a way of overshadowing beloved routines—from London's pubs and eateries to market finds and supermarket staples. New York often eclipses all else, but London proved it holds a special place too.
New York's three-week routine was a welcome reset after Israel and Germany, before Sri Lanka's pace.
Since arriving in Colombo, I've been on the move every two days, craving a slowdown. With three weeks left, a Maldives detour seems ambitious, but I'll decide soon.
I came for TBCasia, never expecting such joy. Pre-conference, Cinnamon Hotels hosted an epic tour: UNESCO sites like Kandy, Sigiriya, Dambulla Cave Temple, Polonnaruwa, and Galle; beaches, elephants, Colombo nightlife, and a scenic train ride.
The event delivered invaluable business insights, connections, friendships, and opportunities—I'm grateful for PTBA's inaugural conference.
I'll weave these lessons into my work and share Sri Lanka's wonders soon.
What Went Well
Traveling with 40+ fellow bloggers was surprisingly seamless. Deep discussions on travel, blogging, freelancing, and business challenges were highlights. Shared quirks—like petting every cat or dreading AC—made it special. Organizers excelled; post-group, solo time and smaller groups refreshed me.
What Went Wrong
Frequent moves disrupted work, echoing past struggles. Spotty WiFi—slow, unreliable—frustrated me, reminiscent of India. Tech woes: nearly drowned my iPod Touch (water again!). Heat and schedule killed workouts, though gear served as motivation.
Upcoming Travels
Three more weeks in Sri Lanka, then Germany for my first family Christmas in seven years—Christmas markets, baking mayhem at my sister's! Possible mountain snow trip, then three new countries in January. Details next month, including four booked flights.
Season of Giving
This holiday season, consider aiding ongoing crises like South Sudan's food emergency (I donated earlier). Also, support three German women providing menstrual cups to Nepali girls via their Indiegogo campaign—reusable options combat health risks and school absences.
