They Honeymoon is over. Long live the honeymoon!

Lev and I on a local hike

In every new country we've lived, Anya and I have found that there is a clear honeymoon period. It's a time of excitement, enthusiasm and tolerance for annoyances. Everything is new and it's a grand adventure.

About 3 or 4 months in, routines are established, realities like finding a dentist or getting your car's oil changed begin to emerge. The things you found quirky before begin to grind on you. You find it hugely cathartic complain with other expats about aspects of local life. It's a difficult time and homesickness sets in. It takes conscious effort to stay positive.

We've been in this dip for a little while now and we're taking steps to keep a bright perspective.  First, we make sure we travel and stay appreciative of what makes this region so special. And importantly on the work front, having several months now under my belt means that I'm beginning to settle into my role and feel more comfortable. I can't say I've achieved full swagger, but I'll get there.


My mom and stepdad, Denis, are coming to visit in just over two weeks and we're excited for that. We have some great trips planned (more on this soon) and we're really looking forward to catching up.

Penang's shabby chic architecture

Since Bali, we've mostly hunkered down locally, though Anya took a girls' weekend to Bangkok and we all went up to Penang for a long weekend.

Penang, and Georgetown specifically, was recently ranked one of Lonely Planet's top global destinations for 2016. The place is a gem. The backpacker culture was a nice change from the jet-set feel of downtown Kuala Lumpur and there is a strong artistic culture, the focal point being some great street art around town on the sides of buildings. Add to that the huge variety of street food, for which Penang is probably best known. We had a great weekend and felt like we'd really escaped. Penang is an easy 1 hour flight from KL.

Quick refuge from the heat in Penang - a Swiss hotel and bar!

Garden in Seoul, during a brief work trip to Korea