Elsien's Traveblogue

Wishing you all
a Merry Christmas
and a Very Happy 2010

Dear All,

I am not an advocate of Christmas emails or even blogs: to me it means that I have failed to keep in touch during the year! However, sometimes life just takes over and I don't get round to keeping in touch by phone or email, so here's to hoping I'll do better in 2010!
I am still commuting between Harlow and Brussels. I don't have regular work in Brussels any more, but still have the occasional (and well-paid) training days at the European Commission; I also go there to see J. We're still going strong after 2 ½ years now; in fact, we are getting on better all the time.

Did two months in London, Docklands, running English courses for foreign teernagers: fun! Will do it again next summer!
I get to see my kids regularly. Josh and his girlfriend have moved out of London and are living in a sweet little house with little garden not too far from me. He is still cheffing in London. Misha is living in London and will be back at Uni in Januari, studying Computer Science.
I have just got the result of my first year's Master's in Art History: Passed with Merit, which I am very pleased about. Year Two of the course will start in February. Last year I started the course with almost a month's stay in Florence; this year I have booked a couple of weeks in Paris, exploring the Louvre. I am loving this Art History course, even though it's a lot more theoretical than I had bargained for.
In between courses, October to February, I have finally started to write my novel about Kiribati. I've written about half and will start looking for a publisher soon, or at least a literary agent …
There you are, you are more or less up-to-date again. I promise I will try and do better next year!
Wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a very happy 2010!
Lots of love,
Elsien