Are you testing my anger management?

That is the question I pose to the forces pushing and pulling this world.

Last night as Nick and I reflected on our time here we came to the conclusion that it has, in actual fact, been one of the toughest times in our life together thus far. We could think of no other reason for this other than it just being a pure 'test'.

When we thought about it, we realised that very little smooth sailing has occurred for us since arriving in this sun-forsaken country. My visa... difficult and an ongoing saga that is hindering work possibilities. Our apartment... hard to find (oh but is now like the apple of our eyes) and more expensive than we had planned. Work... don't even ask. Money... almost gone... and extra painful as we don't receive the more-than-adequate stipend that all other interns appear to be receiving (for some unknown reason). Friends and family... far away. etc etc...

Nevertheless, there is a force within us that is resisting the easier path of going back home! Nick is loving his work, which if he didn't I think we would cracked and left by now; and I am enjoying life also. Don't ask me why, it must be some kind of twisted and malfunctioning neuro-chemical in my brain that sees beyond the mostly terrible weather, tasteless and/or pricey food, lack of financial resources and poor job prospects.

We also know that together we'll be alright, and that the tide will inevitably turn... We are trusting and open to whatever path opens to us. Whether it be to return to Australia, or stay here.

In conclusion, I do have urges to hurt people... often... but I will not crack.

I will, however, release my frustration on this blog. For EXAMPLE, today I woke up early (after not sleeping very well because of calf pain from the gym - no pain, no gain people), got ready and walked 40 minutes to the NGO I'm volunteering at only to find nobody in the office (and the door shut and locked). I waited around for a while, and then texted the director, who proceeded to tell me nobody was coming in today and asked "didn't you get my message last night?" (uh.. no, obviously not). Upon further enquiry, I realised that this "message" was in fact an email... sent at... wait for it... this one's a doozy... 12.53... AM.

Um... am I the only person who doesn't regularly check my emails at 1 in the morning? Perhaps this is another cultural learning.

Anyway, the amazing sun on my forty minute walk home and my picture taking calmed the rage... mostly. The pictures are below.