My rest in Skopje has done me some good. For the first time in ages, I feel like the color is really coming back to my skin. Between this and my time with family in Los Angeles, I feel like I’m ready for a busy, but fun, year.
Archive for February 2012
Back in Skopje
The first part of my semi-permanent move to Europe began on February 15, 2012. After a long (and absolutely wonderful) stay with family and friends in Southern California, I began my sojourn back ‘home’ at around 5:30 in the morning. My father drove me to the airport, and made sure to see me off in good order.
Once the trip began, I steeled myself for 30+ hours of airports and a bit of discomfort. I had surgery in January, and though I healed incredibly quickly, I still feel touches of rawness every time I move. Still, considering my condition (which is not bad at all, to be honest), the trip was a lot more than bearable. I flew to Chicago, spent a few hours there in relative comfort, and then headed off to London, where I milled around Heathrow Airport for about 2 1/2 hours before heading off to Sofia, Bulgaria. For those of you who know me well, you know I’m a big fan of the country generally, but not of its capital city. Still, even here, things went smoothly. I found the correct taxi to jump into, rather than getting shanghaied by some dirtbag pirate whose life is spent preying on tourists who don’t know the area so well. Once I went from the airport to the bus station, I took a bus ride to Skopje, and have been here since, waiting one more week before I head off to Naples, Italy, where life begins anew (or so I hope). The picture above is of me freezing a bit at my friend Igor’s apartment, but other than me forgetting to close the window, I’ve been in good hands here. Unless something interesting or out-of-the-ordinary happens, I won’t be posting here again until I’m settled in bella Napoli.
On Returning ‘Home’
My Pop and I.
Europe, for better or for worse, has been and will probably always be home to me. As much as I love staying in the Los Angeles area in the vicinity of my parents, brother, nieces and family in general, everyone around me understands that I forged my own path some time ago, and have become content with life on the Old Country.
As of tomorrow morning, I will be leaving for Sofia, Bulgaria, where I will then board a bus and trek 5 hours or so to Skopje, Macedonia, for some relaxation with my good friends. I need it after enduring a lengthy recuperation after a rather grueling surgery that turned out to be successful. More about that another day.
From there, it’s off to Naples, Italy. The very first time I went, I wasn’t exactly impressed, as there was a workers’ strike which kept the city looking like a cesspool. Amalfi and Maiori were Heaven during that trip, but Naples… meh. After a few more visits, the city grew on me, even as the original reason for visiting the city disintegrated for reasons I still can’t, and probably ever won’t, fathom.
There is much to do work-wise, and many projects will be begun. You see a couple on the home page, but more are developing, as, this time, I seem to be making contacts with people who are less willing to waste time and dream, and more willing to act. Old friendships may rekindle, and new friendships, certainly new alliances, will be formed. This year looks promising. May God will it to be so.</p<
You all know how to contact me. If you don’t, just look at the “PAGES” section and click on “CONTACT ME.” There, that wasn’t so hard to do, was it?
May you all have a wonderful Valentine’s Day. Spend it with those you love. If not, remember those you did love at one time. It makes the day go by a bit easier.
Cheers,
Rudy
