Shortbus is sleeping so I'm going to quickly post a review of the last eight months since we went off line. I enjoy many aspects of the foreign service lifestyle: travel, immersion in foreign cultures, new languages, different foods, etc. But one big drawback is "PCS," or permanent change of station; i.e. the process of moving from one post to another. We move every two to three years. And this isn't a UHaul across town. It includes staged packing of belongings we'll need in carry-on and checked luggage, stuff we'll get in a few weeks ("unaccompanied air baggage"), and the rest of our "household effects" which me don't see again for months. It's like planning a phased military invasion. A mentor once told me he and his wife simply agreed not to talk during pack-out. He was joking. I think. It's a stressful time. It hasn't been that bad, but that's probably because Elyse does all the logistics and planning.
Anyway, that is my long excuse as to why we haven't posted for so long. First we had to say good by to our wonderful friends and enjoyable life in Kathmandu. That was in August, 2013. What a great first tour. Nepal is an amazing country and professionally it was a fun and rewarding job. I couldn't have asked for a better consular tour or better co-workers. It was Ryan's first real home, where she learned to walk, do "prayer hands" and say "namaste." And due to certain privations that come with the territory, Elyse can now bake various breads, brew an array of beers, make several cheeses and even whip up some big, soft pretzels if I get a hankering. And before we knew it, the two years had passed. Pheri betaula (see you later) Nepal.
We moved back to DC for six months of training. Elyse and I learned Spanish. Ryan hung out at a bacteria factory called day care. Before we knew it, it was March and time to move again. But first...a mandated "home leave" where we must reacquaint ourselves with the US of A. (How else could I credibly represent Amurka while overseas? Never mind we'd been living there for half a year.) We made the most of it and visited family and friends in New Jersey, New York, Idaho, Florida, Washington, Oregon and California. We saw the last three states from the comfort of an RV as we drove from Seattle to San Fran and "camped" in some of the country's greatest parks. (If you haven't yet, go to the Red Woods.) Then it was back across the country to Florida. Ryan's 20th flight (or so) by the age of two. A few more days with family and we were off to our new home: Montevideo, Uruguay. And here we are. Post number two. Seems great so far. Ocean breezes, sunset views and lots of good wine and beef. We'll make it somehow.
