The year of 2006

This year was yet another strange one. I will remember it as one where I finished an AIESEC MC term in Australia, took up another one in Bahrain. Experienced a long distance relationship, the importance of family, the pain of losing those close to you and also the joy of finding beauty in a different society.

Visited 7 countries in 4 continents

Moved out of home for the first time

Had an amazing experience learning about the Arab world and Islam

Lived a long distance relationship

Finished an indescribable experience on an AIESEC MC

Started another one

Made future business plans with one of my best friends

Recognised that my university life was over

Experienced paralysing self doubt but experienced the joy of friends 'being there'

Prematurely said goodbye to both my Gran, aged 97 and Max, my dog, aged 17. Knowing I would never see them again.

Started learning my third language

Understood the value of family at a time I am furthest away from home

Started, and stopped, attending meditation classes

Been so proud of my sister Sophie who is making a life for herself with the Sydney Opera company

Danced to some of the finest DJs in some of the oddest places

Learnt important lessons from my friends and co-workers

Attended my first Muslim prayer service

Celebrated Christmas smoking shisha with Egyptians and Filipinos

Visited Eastern Europe for the first and second times

Visited Auschwitz and the Pyramids twice each

Ran a marathon through a desert

Learnt to drive on the 'other' side of the road

Became comfortable eating food with my hands

Experienced strange boughts of insomnia

Shot my first gun

Met my first Royalty, and rang CEOs and Ministers on their mobile phones