On 2010 (belatedly)

2010 was a year of contrast.  It began with fireworks and a party on a beach in a tropical country:

1 minute to go...

To freezing temperatures, mountains of snow and yet still a barbeque, and the obligatory fireworks:

Dacha and Barbeque

It was the start of my teaching career proper, I travelled to 4 different countries, including a new country for the first time since 2008.  I went walking for the first time in the Lake District.  I made a considerable effort to put on weight, and failed miserably.  I became closer to some people, grew further part from others, and left some people, sadly, behind.  2010 provided potential that is already turning 2011 into a great year.

The Lake District (minus any lakes)

The summit, Hintertux, Austria

If experiences are what makes the man, then 2010 definitely helped to make me.  Living in the crazy city, dealing with things on a day to day basis that are not required in the heart of deepest darkest Newcastle or Wolsingham.  Seeing new places in Cambodia, and taking as much as possible in, remembering not to forget, has probably produced a more rounded me, who is now even less likely to be surprised by what I see.

The first few months in Moscow are badly documented here, but the transition from a teacher of the same four classes every day to different classes and abilities daily has been enjoyable, if not challenging.  Size may matter, but as long as you do a good job and keep an open mind then sometimes Moscow seems just as small as Phnom Penh; just not as hot....yet.