Not Coming Home

Since I will be leaving Azerbaijan just two days from now, I'm still pinching myself to realize my life and time here is ending and I won't be returning. I think it may be a few months before it truly sinks in.  You may be wondering what's next? To which I can only answer: Paris and Madagascar.

While I haven't been in the U.S. for over two years I'm in no rush to hurry back.  I also feel very confident that I need some R&R in another place and culture before coming home.  Another PCV friend and I have arranged to spend some time in Paris and then head to Madagascar for twenty some odd days and then back to Paris again for another week before flying back into the U.S. on December 21st.  Why Madagascar you may ask?  Why Not Madagascar? is what I say.  It's a beautiful and mostly under-the-radar country full of beautiful beaches, lush national parks, interesting plants and wildlife and tropical fruits: many of the things I haven't seen much of while living in AZ.  It's also their summertime and I would love a dose of warmer weather before the NYC cold sets in.  We've also arranged to have an apartment in Paris for the last leg of our trip to truly relax and live like the Parisians do for a bit.

So while I'm looking forward to being reunited with family and friends for the holidays, I'm really looking forward to my next excursion to bridge the transition back home.
America, see you on December 21st!