This weekend I completed phase I of operation meet people and successfully too!
Operation background: I am one to fall back on doing things on my own. Even if I feel utterly lonely, and actually especially when I feel utterly lonely, I feel safer if I accept being on my own rather than changing the situation. It’s my comfort zone and maybe even a source of pride (ack! I hate saying that but it is true) that I can be independent and capable and detached. But you know what…it sucks doing things alone all the time…especially adventures in foreign lands. I felt myself slipping into I will a the loner mode and was like NO! not this time. Of course, the people I have met here through work are super friendly and there are many upcoming activities that I have been invited to. Still…I am only here for a year, I want to pack an abnormal amount of excitement in that year and I feel that the way to do that is by meeting as many people as possible. This feeling probably stems from me knowing that this goal or desire is the only one that will really challenge and test me. Sure, new countries are exciting with their process and signs and systems and food and formalities and customs but I think that the most valuable things you can take home in the end are the connections that you made with people.
Actually, I am going to end with that and I will write again later today or tomorrow about what I did this weekend. I think that thought was enough of a post for me. That and lunch hour is almost over. Later.