Montenegro!

My new writing desk!

​It's only fitting that the revival of a blog about journeys begins with a journey of sizable proportions – 4462 miles to be exact – according to my Delta Skymiles account. Three flights: Boston –> Amsterdam –> Belgrade –> Tivat, Montenegro. 

Why Montenegro? OR even more perplexing --
Where is Montenegro?

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Source: Web

Let's start with the Where, so you can get your bearings. (Unless you're cartographically-gifted and have no need to wonder as I did, "Isn't Montenegro somewhere in the Caribbean?") No, that's Montego Bay, like in the Beach Boys' song.

If you draw a somewhat straight line from the ankle of Italy's boot, across the Adriatic Sea, you'll land in Montenegro. On a smaller map, it gets swallowed up by its neighbors, with only a star marking the spot of its capital, Podgorica.

However, as I gaze beyond the railing of our balcony this morning onto a bay of glistening waters, this dot on a map feels equally expansive as any new world does to the eager explorer. 

  

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​ So, what brings me here? Or rather Who?

Drew, my husband -- who retired in June 2016 after forty-two years in education, only to discover that he wasn't quite finished. When the opportunity arose to become the Interim Head of School at Knightsbridge Schools International in Montenegro for the 2017-18 school year, he said "Yes" to yet another adventure. A journey on which I (geographically) joined him...four days ago.

We've said a similar "Yes" to other journeys of employment over the years – Alaska, Singapore, Cairo, Moscow, New York City – and a host of others with much less distance and transition involved. But with no less wonder and growth. One common theme has prevailed. After considerable consideration, we've said "Yes," far more often than "No."    

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.My pen drops its head, feeling the effects of mid-morning jet lag. I push away from my new writing desk, stretch high on my toes, and catch sight of a fisherman on the dock below, who looks more like he's meditating than fishing.
Gentle breezes and the comforting warmth of 75-degree sunshine remind me that it's OK, in fact it's vital, to simply sit. To take in the view, to breathe deeply of this new -- albeit temporary -- home.

The journey is as much about being (present) as it is doing.

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Please join me on my on-going journey as I share what inspires me, awakens my creative spirit, and nudges me to follow the path that may not be so obvious at first glance. . . 
like Montenegro.