The end of living abroad... for a while

So I'm coming to the end of my time in Hanoi. 2 years. What an amazing experience. The friends I have met. I am here for another 4 weeks, and will spend much time collecting bits and pieces for my trip home- but am definitely getting reflective of my time here- especially after my boss advised me to write a letter of "lasts" which, he believes, helps every expat move from one place to another. I have about 20 things on my list.

This of course, doesn't include the list of 30 or so things I would like to buy before leaving Hanoi, including about 8 backpacks, cd's of relaxation music (ironic in Hanoi?), scarves, dragonflies, stamps (not the postage kind), instruments etc... now, where I find the time to do that in the next week before my things are packed up is another question!

Being here has worked me harder than I ever have in my life. I have been through ups and downs, and wanted to leave so many times (especially in that first 6 months!). I know that wherever I go next (Sth America anyone?), I will stay at for some time... I want to settle a bit.

My life here has (unsurprisingly) been so different to life at home, but as I embark on being the fittest I have ever been, I also have realised what's important in life more and more. Health. Family. Friends. There's no surprise why people have listed these things consistently as their most important aspects of life. I wish I wasn't so cliched, but I know that the only way I would be different is by finding another word that represents those three mentioned above.

Living Abroad. Trying to get perspective? It will show you what life's about. While I would try not to preach- this one's a gimme: Try it, at least once.