Last post so far. Comeback in September.

To be on vacation means to get your mind empty of everyday routine. 

I'm on vacation now.

I will be short. 

Lying on a beach and watching the waves, I've got an idea to insert a creative break for my blog. I want to put a new design on it and get a different focus. Something like people and places? Events? Parenting? Life changing stories? Art? Interior? A bit from everything? But with structure!

It takes time. And I'm going to take it.

In the meantime a lot of things is going on.

I have to finish my Ukrainian-German online book.

I'm going to make a commitment with my friend Katya. That's a deal: We are going to a gym every day. No excuses, no apologies will be accepted. When missed, 20$ out of your pocket, in to a secret treasure place, ready to spent on the next vacation.

We are planning to move back to Europe. That's a complete project itself: selling, packing, moving, renting, decorating ...

Daniel is going to finish his first university year. The time is just running so fast! In June he will go to London to do a summer semester there for two months. One great experience more!

Jessica's goal right now is an IB International Baccalaureate Program that enables her to apply for international universities.

Jonathan had recently his first audition, organized at Lee Strasberg, for a role in a Music man production. And he got the role! We are very excited and proud of him! The rehearsals will start in May and the shows will be Middle of June.

So I think it's the last personal update in this form. (Never say never!)

I plan to come back in September.  

Hope to see all of you then.

With love, S 

Coming back, coming to the Earth

Two oversee flights, three destinations across the Europe in six days. Seeing tens of people. 

Meetings, appointments, changing weather conditions, culinary highlights and even visit at police office. 

Accomplished. Done. 

Flying back. 

Germany was great, but also painful (stolen wallet, (yeah, it was a wallet, not the pursue!) it hurts!). After that I took a course to Ukraine. Staying in Kiew, visiting my brother’s family. Cheating, eating, playing chess with my nephew. And finally sleeping. My mom arrived. Talking to her, eating, again playing chess. I wanted to visit theatre or something, but it was nothing interesting to the time, so I just stayed at home with the family. Was good seeing them all.

Taking a flight early in the morning to Nice via Frankfurt. Good weather in Nice. 

Taking a bus to Monaco. One hour ride. Arrived in the paradise. 

As you might know, my son D. is studying here at IUM International University of Monaco. It is a small school, but super international. By occasion we met some D’s mates. South Africa, Nigeria, Russia, Switzeland, Germany, ...  just from everywhere. I like it! English is absolutely common here. First day we had a dinner at the Indian place. 

The waiters there (Indians by the way) speak French barely. You can easily go alone with English here, but as far as you enter France,- voila!  So it gives me hope.

Visiting one apartment with a realtor. Rosaura is Latino, she is from Uruguy. She is very nice and helpful. I asked her about her history. She came 17 years ago here, as her husband was transferred to work for a bank. Nobody helped Rosaura to adjust here and  it was a  hard time for her at the beginning. So she promised herself, she will help people who are new  here. Now Rosaura feels at home in Monaco and very comfortable. As we were walking the street with her, she met and waved and kissed thousand people. Everyone knows everyone. It’s a small place.

Next day visiting four more apartments with Rosaura. Having an appointment at IUM for a MBA program. Visiting International School of Monaco. Meeting D’s landlord. (“New York? Do you like it? Why? Who needs it?”) Strolling along the boardwalk. Beautiful weather! In the evening - Buddha bar. The best food ever! Very impressive location and excellent food!

On Thursday appointment again at IUM with Marika, director of MBA program. Very good meeting, very nice woman. American, but over 25 years in Europe. Bachelor in Russian literature, then studying politic and getting Ph.d. in business. Open minded, well educated, multi cultural. 

Sitting in plane back to reality. Full with impressions. Embarrassed due to the wallet. Proud of first interviews in the last ... years. Happy to see the family. Tired.