roller-coaster

From deeply down to high up in the sky. Arrived in Bali last week. It is rainy season, and mostly the sky is cloudy. Waves are choppy, and surfing isn’t that good, however I had a great day out in the line-up, fantastic sunset-session. Bad wipe out and slammed onto the surface, headache. But it is fine. Being here, being everywhere probably, is better than in Germany. Even though I still feel unbalanced. Once more I got convinced of Asia being the right choice. Got to know three people during three flights / stops. The question is just where. Bali is beautiful and Vietnam offers much opportunities. Singapore would probably the best of all combining a healthy lifestyle and save environment with developing career. The plan is Vietnam for now. But who knows. Things may always change. All places are fascinating and anyhow more cosmopolitan than the Rhineland. Next posts will be on my field trips to the ecotourism project sites. I will do community surveys with the villagers involved. Impressions and photos will follow…

approaching Bukit Peninsula in South Bali and Ngurah Rai Airport

car draw at Doha Airport – a ticket comes at 125 USD for the chance to win

an Aston Martin DB 9, Audi R 8 or any other nice toy

always comforting: Changi Airport in Singapore is among the best in the world – the city state has not only with regard to the airport understood how to create a super-efficient and comfortable service- and living environment

2010

The year turns. I have never been a friend of New Years Eve parties, winter nights, alcohol, and of creating unsteadiness by sequencing time through artificially set dates bidding farewell to an unfinished past and a future that has yet to come. So while many people celebrate I am at the gym.

The warrior of light studies the two columns on either side of the door he is trying to open. (Paulo Coelho)

Leaving the old year behind with an activity productive and healthy as that can only be a good start. Such one would be essential. Looking back to 2009 cannot go without looking back to 2008 and 2007. The last years were a turbulent time. Interesting directions have opened up in terms of an entry into professional life. However, privately it was more chaotic, and I have gone to the limits. So much, that now I am still busy with catching up on everything that remained undone. But there is progress now. Still slow, but everything is taking shape.

My goals for the new year 2010 are:

-         keep calm and be positive despite limited time / financial resources

-         do a successful research in Bali and a enjoy at least few hours in the water

-         get the appointment, pass the exam in sociology and finalize the thesis

-         get a new job back in Asia as soon as possible and well integrate

-         get the relationship into a feasible way and spend time with the kids

-         spend more time with friends, enjoy life more than before

-         keep on doing sports and spend some time on photography

-         economize and save as much money as possible for future investments

-         check out business opportunities and occupations that work for the evenings

A Happy (Western) New Year 2010, much love and light, health and success to you!