In 3 days time my 6 month contract with Symbol in the Czech Republic ends. It's gone by incredibly fast, and it's strange to think that this weekend I have to pack and get ready to move out of my home for the last 6 months. I still have a list of things to do and places to go, I have to wonder what I've been doing for the last 25 weekends...
BUT! As one thing finishes, another starts - I've been offered (and accepted) a new job in Brno. I'll be working for a new Czech company setting up and running the department and this is a long-term position, so it looks like I'm going to be based in Brno permenantly. I'll even be living in the same building I'm currently in now, just one floor higher.
I have to say I'm pretty happy about the way it's worked out, not only is it a good career opportunity but I get to stay in a town I really like living in, with the friends I've made since I've been here. The only downfall is that I get to experience a true Czech winter, although now I'm getting a little better at dressing appropriatly it's not as bad as I thought it would be, although I still dream about the long, hot evenings in Asia... If I hadn't been offered this job I would definatly be packing for Thailand right now! I can still feel it pulling me back, and I'm having to make do with the idea of a holiday there later this year...
So now I just have the slightly intimidating realization that I'm actually living here for the foreseeable future. All the things which you can ignore when you know you're only in a place for a set amount of time are now becoming more important - I really should start trying to learn Czech. Will I have to start eating pickled pig fat for lunch every day? Do I have to buy a Skoda? Have I really just commited to several years in one place?
I think the last thing is what is playing on my mind the most - several years in one place? That just doesn't feel right.... At least being right in the middle of Europe I'm within pretty easy travelling distance of some major sights and activities. Fancy some skiing? Czech, Slovak or Austrian Alps, all within a couple of hours driving. Major cities? Vienna, Budapest, Prague... all in all, there are many worse places I could be living in.
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