Today, Life Changed.
Friday, January 14, 2011 at 6:00AM | 19 Comments Hey, I'm trying out something new. I'm a big music buff and think that there are a lot of posts that I write that's stage would be set much better with a little background music loving. So try it out, if you like and leave feedback if it's something you'd like to see stick around. I also don't know how this will show up in an RSS reader or in e-mail so bear with me please!
Background Music - Max Richter - On the Nature of Daylight
Shit happens all the time. People make big decisions. Big decisions are made for people. No matter how much you try to plan your life, everyday, something happens that you don't expect. And it's how we deal with those unexpected visitors that make us unique. Our ability to handle change, in my opinion, is the most important scale we are weighed on in life.
Today, someone made a decision for me.
I will not be getting my visa to go back and work in Spain this year.
I have been jumping through the application hoops since around June 2010 when I decided I wanted to live in Spain full-time. Unfortunately, due to a bad economy, high unemployment and the lack of a job skill that MUST be supplied by a non-EU employee, I will not be able to stay in what I now consider my home for more than 90 days at a time.
The downside to this is that I am yet again, unstable. I am homeless. I have a horse in Spain who will continue to have a temporary mother. I have a cat in America who will not be able to be imported into Spain and thus will have to be given up for adoption (I think 5 years of her on the road is enough - if I had gotten residency and could guarantee her a steady life for the next 5 years, I would keep her, draggin her throug another year of 3 month houses, isn't fair). I get to spent 3 months next summer running away from the Schengen police and another 3 months next winter. It's going to be expensive.
The upside is that I have an excuse (an obligation) to travel next summer and next winter. I can't hide out in Spain and I have to get out. This is bound to be expensive, but the gain for my vitality definitely outweighs the losses my bank account is sure to face. I have another 6 months trial to make sure that Spain is the right fit for me before signing on to a 5+ year committment. I still get to do what I love (ride horses, travel, immerse myself) without upsetting anyone and without starving.
I am sad. Of course. But on another hand, I'm relieved. I get to make plans now, and so much is already coming together. I'm hoping to plan a trip to Eastern Europe, maybe the Middle East and the British Isles sometime over the summer. I will get the chance to meet up with some people I miss tremendously and the opportunity to see more, and more, and more.
It's just a new chapter.
So where should I go? I'd love your feedback. I'm looking at the Balkans, the Adriatic Coast, the Dead Sea area, the Middle East and Northern Africa. I would appreciate all the feedback I can get as these are ALL uncharted water for me. I need to stay cheap, I'd prefer to stay overland, and I have to stay non-Schengen. Everything else is up for grabs. My travel dates are June 8 - July 29 and then again from August 8 - September 11. Anyone up for a meetup? My slate is blank. Please leave me your comments or send me an e-mail and let me know what you're up to this summer!
Hahahaha
| Engineers | Design | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Davis | Lino Wiehen | Lucas Gonze |
| William Khoe | Douglas Kim | Dave Warmerdam |
| Amit Behere | Suman Nichani |
Yahoo! Media Player
Hahahaha
Spain, travel in My Trips, Useless Mutterings
Reader Comments (19)
Sorry about the visa! I really loved the Balkans and they are probably cheaper than some of hte other stuff one your list. Good luck!
@Stephanie - I actually remember you posting on some of those countries back in the day. I think that's probably where I'm going to stick. I'll have to go back and look at your blog posts to check out your thoughts, but thanks for reminding me!
Sorry gabbers! I know how upsetting this is for you! Things will work out. I think you're right for looking at it as an opportunity. Things happen for a reason... Love you!
@JK - Thanks darling. Trying not to fret. I think everything will work out. I'm glad to have some sort of actual deadline now. Something to force me to make plans rather than all that unknown obscurity before. Love you to and can't wait to see you next week!
Hey Abbey, don't know if I've ever left a comment but I've been reading for a while so I thought I'd offer my 2 cents!
First, sorry about the visa. I know what you mean and it's really disappointing that it's so impossible to get a work visa!
Although I haven't been there, Albania is supposed to be the up-and-coming Croatia for half the price (even from Croatia!). I would definitely look into going to the Balkans for the summer chunk!
As for winter, not sure but good luck and I look forward to seeing what you decide!
Sorry to hear the news on the Visa Abbey. Still seems like exciting times ahead for you tho... Im thinking of Alaska road trip in Spring!? Mid march for 2 weeks prob.
Sorry to hear about your visa -- I've been dealing with NZ immigration for the last month, I feel your pain! I trust it's just a step leading you towards an exciting new destination. Safe travels.
@Annie - good to hear! I think Albania wins then. It's definitely got my vote plus I'm going to need to get to Greece for Yacht Week starting on July 30, so I think it'll be a wise choice right before that.
@Dan - Is that an invitation? Are you driving from Pano? That looks to be quite a haul, tho I'm sure Wanda would have no problem handling it. Amazing tho, it's still the only state I haven't been to.
@Matt - Thanks for the encouragement. With all the tips and back pats I've been getting, it's starting to be a little easier to deal with the rejection. I know I did all I can do and I didn't get permanently rejected, or thrown out as a tourist, so at least I can go back and enjoy in short spurts :)
That is too bad about visa but opens doors to new possibilities. Best of luck!
visa shmizza! Just found your site/blog..luv it! Cant wait to see whats next for you.
@Rob - Thanks Rob! Doors are already opening, that's for sure. I'm excited for new things to pop up!
@Erica - So excited you found me! And I'll second that motion, can't wait to see what's next for me either. Hopefully it doesn't have anything to do with a desk, a TPS report or a boss in a suit. We'll see, I guess!
Sorry to hear about the visa issues, but - that said - it seems to have opened up doors to new possibilities :) Good luck, and I'll be following!
@Brooke - Thanks for the support, love! Hopefully things are up from here!
Gutted to hear about your visa application being declined. I hate it when they go against you :(
Good luck with your plans ... Ithink you should come and visit wherever Linda and I are, but I'm biased.
@Craig - thank you sir. I will 100% add a stop to come visit you and Linda at some point. If I have to stalk you half way around the globe. With this visa blunder, if I can make enough money, I'll be spending next SoHem summer in Aus/NZ so if y'all are still around then, get some space ready on your couch! Otherwise, we'll have to meet up in South America. Linda and I can chat Spanish behind your back and tell the locals you smell funny and stuff.
Yeah Abbey Its always an invitation... Driving there from Pano up the Alaska highway to Anchorage and then back down thru the coast moutains. Over 2 weeks. I hope Wanda can take it! Although i do have more faith in her these days ;)
@Dan - Never lose faith in Wanda, my friend. Never. She would take you to the moon and back, if you asked. B Lee and I were discussing this the other day. It looks like I won't be joining you. I'm heading back to Spain on March 19th. But keep me posted on your plans, I may be available for that epic Aussie roadtrip we were supposed to go on again next year. That is, if you ever return to your motherland.
Haha yeah true on getting Wanda to the moon... Yeah I dunno what i should do, i like Golf and I like SKiing and Pano fits that pretty Well. Im def staying this Summer after returning from Alaska then Yellowstone (if i can get in - 3rd time lucky i hope) in the Fall...
Oh, the local Sherpa around here is setting up a horse ranch and running horseback tours into the mountains this Summer. He has 10 horses and Emma scored a Job there taking care of the horses and some trail guiding! Should be awesome for her...
@Dan - That's awesome! Tell her to e-mail me if she has any questions. I'll be jobless and horseless this summer so looking for someone to live vicariously through for sure. Miss you guys tons, wish I could go to Alaska with you. I won't believe you make it til Yellowstone until I see photographic proof. It's jinxed for you, I think.