A year later

Almost exactly a year ago I wrote in Italy: "Dear adventures, bring it on! I am ready to go where ever you take me!" Now I am in Italy again, sort of closing the circle. I am sitting on a rooftop overlooking narrow canals and colorful houses of Venice; enjoying the darkening summer night. It seems almost like yesterday when I was dining in the small, sympathetic restaurant in Belluno; dreaming about upcoming adventures.

View from my hostel toilet

Back then I had no idea what the following year would be like. I was just excited about going for long travels to explore faraway countries and create myself a new career. What made the journey unique was not having a return date or place. I just promised myself to try my best to find something that would make me happy. From a job searching point of view, now looking back in time, I lacked clear strategy. I could have targeted better by choosing smarter destinations and doing more local connecting. However, I did not know better, so the decisions I made along the way shaped the year to be what it was - awesome, touch, teaching.

Now I am three weeks away from starting my new job. It is hard to believe I finally got what I wanted. After months of struggling and desperation, but also persistence and belief, I have landed a job that is exactly what I looked for. I had actually set myself a deal line: after July climbing in Kalymnos I would no longer go anywhere without working. I had some vague plan Bs, like a coffee shop in Australia or a climbing gym in Germany. Instead I am moving to the Netherlands to work among carbon finance for a reputable development organization.

My preliminary plan was to stay in Kalymnos for a month. However, just after a week there I did well on a Skype interview and got invited to final testing. I had just gotten used to the rock and was ready to start pushing my grades. Not climbing any records was secondary, though, as I quickly booked half a dozen flights and shifted my mind towards prospective employment. I left Kalymnos with the best possible compliment from a fellow climber: "Compared to other girls of your level, you are brave at leading. You climb until you fall. Now take that attitude to try harder on higher grades." He did not know it, but I had worked on that mental strength for the whole past year. So I did accomplish what I wanted, and eventually I will climb that first 7A, too!

Traveling around the world for a year is just a dream for most people. I was lucky to make it happen for myself. I am still living the dream - sometimes light and fun, sometimes sad and frustrating. I am glad I had the courage to choose change and uncertainly, for it can bring much happiness to me. I truly hope new adventures will keep coming!