From 'hola' to 'merde'

The next move.

A couple of years ago I decided it would be an awesome experience to go and work in Saudi, the UAE or thereabouts. Then I got hooked on Argentina. Argentina turned to Madrid and finally settled on Barcelona. I've been totally committed to moving to Barcelona for most of this year. Totally. Studying Spanish, reading Barcelona blogs, keeping an eye on the company I want to work for and the alternatives committed.

Until a couple of weeks ago when I started worrying about the Spanish market and how easy it would be to actually get work there. And then other Spanish cities, German cities, French cities started creeping into my mind. No Italian cities. Italians are crazy. I've lived with some. Kidding. Italians are lovely BUT maybe a little too enthusiastic for a day-to-day grump like to me to deal with without losing the little bit of sanity I still hold.

And then.

Then last night I watched BEFORE SUNSET again. First time in years. A passing thought to Paris has turned to obsession in the last 12 hours. It started the moment the camera hit 'Shakespeare and co' and took me on the hugest trip down memory lane.

Paris. Paris. Paris. Perfect Paris.

I'm not going to blog about Paris now but suffice it to say, I lived in Paris for two years after university and the time is filled with many fond memories. I also met up with a load of people for a huge pissup about nine years ago. More fond memories.

Paris is idealised for me. Paris makes me smile. Paris is all shiny and happy and lovely.

And - should I go back to live there - well, I don't believe in backtracking and maybe it WOULD be backtracking. Maybe it's not the best idea to consider. But moving forward means taking a new road.

I'm sure there were things I disliked about living in Paris. But I can't think of any. And there lies the danger.

Then again, I'm sure nine years after leaving Tokyo I'll look back with nothing but fond memories too.

Maybe I'll just toss the coin of fate into the air - make an attack on Paris, Barcelona and yet to be decided German city (Berlin maybe?) and see who throws it back to me.

Maybe.

Oh, and if you're wondering why I'm blogging so much of late, it's because I don't have time. Seriously, I don't. It's just easier than finishing the diploma reports that have a looming deadline, and I'm sitting over my computer anyway and it's the most pleasant procrastination device I can think of.

And Paris? Maybe I'll share some of the memories soon.