2018 has come to an end…
First of all – THANK YOU to everyone who prayed or crossed their fingers for me… I got the contract in Africa, the one I really wanted! Yay!! On the 13th Jan I will start training twelve individuals in a ‘junior management training & coaching programme’ at six safari lodges close to the Serengeti National Park… it is my first ‘new life’ contract and literally my DREAM JOB. I will leave London on the 8th Jan and will write more about my upcoming adventure in the next post…
After a lovely Christmas time in Denmark, I have returned to London where I spent NYE with friends and now it’s all about prep for this new contract and of course shopping, need to re-stock!
But before that, let me a little take time to reflect on 2018. It flew by and was full of mixed emotions!
- The excitement of making the final decision to leave my London life behind and move to Africa.
- The struggle to accept that my dad had further bad news re. his health.
- Applying for permanent residency in the UK was a pain in the @rse!
- A new little niece arrived – welcome to the family, Anna!
- Showing my parents Tanzania was a really great experience, one that I and they will never forget
- The joy of gaining new friends and spending quality time with ‘old’ friends.
- Saying goodbye to colleagues and my life at IHG was easier than I had expected, maybe because the people, who I was saddest to ‘leave behind’, are also my very good friends and I know they will stay in my life.
- Yay – visited my 10th country in Africa, Ethiopia was an amazing experience.
- The frustrations that come with starting a new life – even though it’s my dream, it is still difficult!
- The disappointment and sadness of having my things stolen in Tanzania.
- Aaaargh! Brexit mess.
- The pride of getting my first contract as Safi Hospitality and the worry that I won’t be able do a good enough job…
Over the past few days, I have – together with different friends – also been looking ahead. What will 2019 bring us?
More Brexit mess for sure [rolling eyes emoji]… some sad, frustrating and sh*tty things are bound to hit our lives at some point… but we can surely also look forward to many lovely, hopeful and wonderful moments.
So let’s savour and celebrate the great times, live life to the full and enjoy new experiences. And let’s support each other to get through the tough times!
Sending hugs around the world to you all…
and wish you all the best possible 2019!
BETINA IN AFRICA 