another year over

wow, it's the last day of the year 2013...a normal day, nothing special - 31st of December, comes and goes every year. still, special...

all through my childhood and also when I moved out and started living on my own, this last day of the year was a day to pause, meet up with as many friends as possible. to have one more hug, a few more words, one more drink - together, in the old year. 

usually this would happen at the favourite pub or coffee shop around lunchtime, early afternoon. before everyone goes home again, getting ready for whatever evening plans one would have...uh, that brings back lovely memories of a party in one of our favourite apartments in Austria...

now, ever since we've gone "expat" this day has become different...we're either travelling ourselves or it's just not too many people around or, like here in Cairo, it just lacks that "special place", you know you can go and everyone will be there.

that's ok, it's different.

so, here we are at the end and the beginning. not often in life we see end and beginning so close together, but actually they always are - one door closes another opens - it's just not so easy to see at times.

quite a few doors closed in this past year and I am sure there is more to close in the coming, but as well doors opened and some of the doors that opened, I am sure I haven't even noticed yet and some I might not have been ready to enter yet...

wishing you all a wonderful new beginning, an open heart to embrace whatever comes - another year filled with love and peace and joy!