Back to Work and Play in the Magic Kingdom.

Time has gone by fast since the brief visit to Canada being back here only a couple of weeks. Getting over jet lag (7 hours difference) has taken about a week. But much has happened in that brief span, both professionally and with our free time.  Life is what you make it, and whether at home or in some far off distant land, it is important for us to fill life with that mix of work, play, community, and solitude. Here those issues are brought into sharp focus, although the principles are universal. This weekend the solitude is savored, Joy being at work with her 12 hour shifts, and the International Conference our Department hosted has just finished - a time to relax & reflect with no set schedule - except to put together this Blog!

Our Department hosted the "Comprehensive Cancer Care Conference", a three day event hosting both international and regional speakers, with the Skipper chairing the organizing committee - a lot of work to help earn my keep, but fortunately now over, after months of preparation. Fortunately it went well.

The Skipper had a responsibility to say a few words at the Opening Ceremony.......... and they enjoy "ceremony" here.

On to the Conference where about four hundred people registered.

First my secretary Arlyn early in the day before the attendees started arriving - a chore she was glad to see finished.

Fortunately that is now behind me, one more project finished, before the final stretch to prepare to complete my other responsibilities prior to leaving the Magic Kingdom. Also a stark reminder of where I am in my life cycle after a 30 year career.

Since getting back from my trip to Canada the Admiral & I have also made sure we got back into the expat lifestyle to fill our lives with activities - although the "break" that I have over this weekend allows me to savor those intermittent times of solitude, without a schedule, without an event, but with time to reflect. Last weekend was busy at the beach and to enjoy a private compound party, this weekend Joy was at work - time for me to decompress.

Evidence of Joy's "other life".

Last weekend, a busy time - first at a private compound party. These social events allow a degree of feeling a western flavor, and a community event to allow catching up with some other expats outside of the hospital associated group.

Clearly we are not as young as we used to be - fun for the evening diversion, but the pace at the beach the next day was welcomed. This diversion also allowed me to swim for the first time since my knee operation - it felt good - maybe back on a dive boat this summer? This private beach was new to us, having frequented other sites previously.

A reminder that some "rules" here should be considered only as "guidelines", and clearly not strictly enforced.

Then life goes on as expected.

Life now can get back to its usual routine.
However we will continue to make the most of our time here even though the "months count down" has now begun.

.......................................................................................................................