So I reflect

 Two years since I've written anything, I had hoped to blog while on my trip, but got more wrapped up in just enjoying my time and neglected writing. I also get lazy, and that is the real excuse. 

It's wild what has happened in these two years. 

I traveled to some brilliant new places, had to rush back to the states due to a pandemic quickly spreading the surface of the globe. The pandemic that we all hoped would last little more than a few months. Two years later we are learning about the third variant of this virus. We are seeing people willing to risk their careers and the possible health of others over the vaccine. So many are convinced it is a conspiracy, or a means to somehow control us. If it is a hoax, at least I can say that I did it for the common good of those around me. It has also managed to then, via the placebo effect, make fighting the virus much easier and quicker for my friends and family who have contracted covid. I am now currently nursing what I can only assume is COVID. 

In these last two years my sister successfully had her brain surgery to repair her aneurysm. My dad met and married a real cool lady. I joined the navy during a pandemic, and am stationed in Norfolk, VA.

I'm trying to take this time while recovering at home to reflect. It can be hard for me to be proud of myself sometimes. Because I live with myself every day, I see the productive times, and the lazy times. I am front and center through any changes and progress. I forget to take time to reflect and be thankful. I forget to take time to feel pride in myself and the woman I am, and the woman I am constantly becoming. 

I can be so hard on myself. I grew up in a family that expected excellence. It was expected that anything that is done should be done well. That we are privileged and blessed to have our basic needs met, and on top of that, to be intelligent. That amount of pressure and drive for excellence makes it hard to recognize your achievements for what they are. 

So I reflect........

So I remember......

So I thank past me......

2018- 2019 we years of almost nonstop trauma. So much heart break. So much loss. SO much change. So much stress. Yet, we prevailed. Yet, I grew. Yet, the sun kept rising. Yet, I kept moving. 

I didn't take up new vices. I didn't hurt people in a hot-headed attempt to placate my heart break. I didn't let myself break. I kept moving. Everyday, I kept moving. 

I find myself searching for my next goal. I attempt to daydream about what I need to do next. DO I go back to school now? Will I re-enlist after this contract? Do I try to get a degree now and commission? Do I avoid the uncomfortable and try to transfer to a more chill shop at my command? 

Instead, let me look back on the last year and be thankful.  My dear girl, in 2021 you graduated A school. You were in the top 5 of your class, while learning about something 100% foreign to you. Those ahead of you had degrees in electrical engineering, had prior experience, math degrees, or were just incredibly bright. You got to your command and have learned so much. You went from knowing nothing about helicopters, only knowing that they are different than fixed wing aircraft somehow, to knowing so much about your platform. You know so many stats about the aircraft, as well as how to do daily inspections, servicing, and other misc tasks that are used to support this aircraft. You have built rapor with so many coworkers in many different shops. You make excellent scores on your PRT, even at 30 you've got it going on. 

You stay active and in the gym. 

You eat clean.

 You dress well.

You continue to read.

 You maintain adult friendships with other military and civilians.

 Most importantly, you looks to other, strong people, especially women for inspiration. You seldom compare yourself, but rather look at any traits you admire as a skill to learn, and reach out to those people for advice. 

If 19 year old Hanna could see you now, she would be a bit surprised, but would be so impressed. 

I want to apologize for neglecting to write, but I wont!
We have been enjoying ourselves, yet staying very active.
We purchased tickets for the Big Bus tour. 10/10 would recommend this tour. We purchased delux tickets, which were reasonably priced, and offer so much.
The tour is broken into 3 lines, each line covering a different part of Dubai. One line covering the Marina, one covering the downtown and newer parts of Dubai, and the last line taking you to old Dubai.

We spent a day riding all of the lines in succession. We made minimal stops, thought the line allows you to hop on and off at will. We were anxious to take in as much information as possible so we stayed on the bus.
We did choose to hop off the bus in Old Dubai at the Dubai museum.
It was a very clever Museum with so much information. None of us were expecting it to be as expensive as it was. THe museum is mostly underground and is air conditioned for those hot summer months.
I am excited to see more of this area. This is the area where you will find the old Dubai Souk, as well as the spice souk, and gold souk. It is a solid area for taking in the traditional culture.
Near the end of our day, we realized that we would not want to ride the circuits of the bus tour back to our starting off point, so we jumped off the bus at Deira City Center, and took the metro to our destination.
I am a huge fan of the Dubai Metro system. It follows along Sheik Zayed, which is the main artery of the UAE. The metro system and trains themselves are clean, easy to navigate, and very affordable. THe spacing of the stations do require you to do some walking, depending on your final destination, but I find with the weather as lovely and relatively cool as it is now, I have no issues with any walking.
When we finally made it back to our flat, we Were pretty beat.

We have decided to be kind to ourselves. We typically start our morning slowly, which coffee and tea, and lounging around the flat. When we finally leave, we casually walk to a cafe and have a drawn out breakfast/brunch. Today we visited Shakespeare and Company located in the Marina Mall. What a lovely times. We sat outside and feasted on our giant breakfast and just enjoyed being outdoors and with family.
We made plans to then go to the Aquarium in the Atlantis Resort, located that the top of the Palm Jumeriah. (The entry was free with the Delux Big Bus ticket)
THe Atlantis is lovely, and larger than life. We enjoyed the aquarium, and browsed shops within. The shops had some items that were a bit more unique than many of the things that we have seen all over.


My friend MOMO finally arrived back in Dubai after being in Abu Dhabi since we arrived. MOMO is a friend I made in Savannah. He would frequent Foxy, where I worked. He is an emirati, meaning he is one of the natural citizens of the UAE. Meeting the natives is actually quite rare as the population is actually quite small with much of the Dubai population consisting of expatriates.

We met up with MOMO after leaving The Atlantis. We stopped by LULU’s hypermarket, then picked up his girlfriend Alice and went for food.  THey took us to one of Dubai’s oldest Restaurants. THis establishment was opened in 1978. It has been busy ever since. The owner originally came to Dubai from Iran as a child. He was an orphan and came here and worked until he could open this place. He passed away a few years back, and his sons took over the restaurant. The food was incredible. This may have been one of the few meals I did not photograph. THe place was really extraordinary. SO crowded. So wonderful.

We ate, then went out for drinks and Shisha.
We sat at a rooftop bar and enjoyed each other. Before we knew it, it was after 1am and we were closing down the place.

One interesting thing for me is the difference in going out in Dubai with an Emirati versus not. The added level of courtesy given to an Emirati is remarkable. For me, MOMO is just my friend. I think little of it. He is a person I would brunch with and speak loudly in the cafes, and would chat with across the counter at work. Here, he is treated with a higher level of service. Truly remarkable. What a treat to have this friend here. THis friend whom I met in Savannah, after having lived in Dubai some 6 years earlier. Yet here we are, in his home, enjoying ourselves.

Let’s see what adventures tomorrow may bring.

Imma have to add photos at a later time.

1.26 and 1.27

We’ve been out here taking in the sights! 

Yesterday I woke up early and walked the marina walk. 

Once all were awake, we took on IBN Battuta mall. This mall has grown significantly in the last 7 years. It still remains one of my all time favorite malls. It is absolutely breathtaking. One thing we all remark on, is how lovely places are harder to find in the US. It’s as though allowing ourselves to live in lovely spaces isn’t a thing we seek out any longer. I was spoiled in Savannah and was used to well decorated and designed Public spaces, but that does not speak to so much of the rest of the US. 

By the time we walked the mall, and made our journey on the metra back to the Marina, we were pretty tired. We then had to walk about 15-20 minutes to the flat. We were all exhausted to say the least. 

Today was a Karama day. Karama is your local shopping area to buy souvenirs and knock off designer items. I’ve done Karama enough to know better with many of the products and prices. Though I always give into temptation and barter for something. My family loves to go to this one particular shop. They sell all sorts of women’s clothing. We always go and buy an insane amount of harem pants. Today we walked Out with probably 15 pairs of these pants. I bought a dress. I feel like we paid that shopkeepers rent for the month. 

We napped, before heading out to stroll JBR walk. More street vendors. Countless restaurants. Attractions and sights. Dubai is just so extra in every sense of the word. It is an incredible thing to watch as it grows over the years. 

1.26.2020

So the last 24 hour or so have been weird. It’s been dark outside the whole time. I got off of my first flight at JFK and it was dark. I waited about 4 hours, then took my 12 hour flight. I arrived in Dubai at about 9pm. At that point my body thought it had been night for about 16 hours already.  It is now 545am and the sun is coming up.

  I hardly recognize this place. So many more buildings. So much more life!
I arrived to my Air BNB by car. My friend Momo sent a driver to fetch me at the airport.
I dropped my bags in the BNB. Changed my shirt and reapplied deodorant and Scurried out the door to the currency exchange.
THe weather was perfect. 70 some degrees...no humidity....just the fragrant smell that my nose immediately recalled floating through the air.
 I made it to the currency exchange 10 minutes before they closed. After, I decided to walk The Marina a bit.
When I was last here, The Marina was relatively Bare. I was delighted by my experience.
When I was last at the Marina, some 7 years ago, they were still doing so much work on it. The walk itself was lovely but had very few things to see.
It is now a booming area peppered with restaurants,  shisha bars, kiosks, and bike rentals.
The retail kiosks sell anything from jewelry, robes, traditional dress, skin care, and souvenirs.
After a good walk, I made my way to the Carrefour grocery that is right by the Air BNB.
Here is the thing about vacationing in an area where you have previously lived. You save money on eating out, because you already know what exciting things await you at the store.
I bought bread, I bought cheese, I bought  yogurt to drink, Moroccan mint tea, I bought Labneh, and my favorite juice!!
My body is so happy. Bread and Cheese for dinner, and bread with Labneh for breakfast. What a rough life.

I’m waiting for my Dad and Grandma to wake up so we can start out our day. We are thinking Ibn Battuta mall today, and securing NOL cards for the Metra.

Things I am happy to see upon returning to Dubai:
I was given a free SIM card for my cell phone upon arrival. Though I’m not sure how much this helps US visitors as our phones no longer take SIM cards. YET, It is really thoughtful.
I am excited to see continued growth. I am excited to still receive a Visa upon arrival.
Overall, It is good to be back.

Counting down!

We are less than 2 weeks out. Are y’all ready??
Uhhhh same, I think.

I’m excited yet nervous. Ive never navigated an adventure this big on my own.
Yet, here we are.
It’s bitter sweet. Im sure going to miss my sister, and my little nephews!
I like my jobs here in Wisconsin as well, so leaving them stinks.

My greatest challenge at the moment is packing for both hot weather, and cold eauropean weather, all in a carry on back pack. Wish me luck!
My current plan for the trip is as follows.

-Drive to Savannah.
-Fly out of Atlanta with my Dad and Grandma.
-Arrive in Dubai. See my friend Momo and enjoy the old Dubai stomping grounds.
-Depart Dubai for Sri Lanka.
-Meet my cousin, Christy in Sri Lanka.
-Spend 15 glorious and wild days on the island of Sri Lanka. We plan to eat, drink tea, eat more, drink more tea, go on a safari to see some elephants and maybe some leopards, and hike some incredible paths.
-Leave Sri Lanka and go back to Dubai. (Late February)
-Hang out with my friend Momo and his GF while I recover and plan my next step.
-Fly to Munich Germany.
-Connect with my Girl Kelsey in Munich.
-Hit up some museums, take in architecture. Eat some food. Drink some beer. Try to speak some elementary German.
-Take a Train or plane to Amsterdam.
-Meet up with my friend Thomas. Maybe try and see my old high school friend Dominica.
-Enjoy Amsterdam. Eat some Apple Tart, Boche Bolen, Stroop Waffles, and poferches. As per the recommendations of a Netherlands native I met at Foxy.
-From Amsterdam, funds and time dictating, Fly to Scotland.
- Visit Edinburgh,  and Aberdeen.
-Fly home and sleep, and blog, and hug my dog.
-Back to WI to be with my sister while she has a procedure.
-Hug my nephews.

Ill try and blog as much as possible. Y’all know that I keep a good journal and blog after trips. So get ready!!

In 43 days I’m out of here!

Flights are booked.
Last year I spent much of the year asking my friends and family “Can I run away yet?”
THey kept telling me “No”.
The nerve of some people.
But even as I make statements like that, the honest truth is that I am an incredibly careful person.
I typically take months and months to think things over. Anyone that has ever shopped with me can attest to it.

Early 2019 I started to feel the restlessness in my spirit kick into high drive. When this happens, just know that Hanna is about to get some stuff done.
When my mom passed in February, it sent me spiraling.
I remember being at the beach in 2018, and I went into the ocean to cool off. I got hit by one wave that swept me under, and then I found my grounding and thought I was good. Just then another wave came and knocked me back under the water. This happened about 4 times before I finally determined to get up and out of the water.
This is what much of my year has felt like. One wave after another knocking me down, until I determined to pick myself up and out of it.
I told myself, “Hanna, It’s time now. Make your plan. Figure out how you need to adjust your lifestyle to meet your goal, and GO GET IT!”
I thought, “My mom was a few days short of her 53rd birthday and she still had so many unrealized dreams. She was still working through so many old traumas and dramas. I WILL NOT BE IN THAT PLACE IN MY 50s. I’m going to smell all the smells, taste all the foods, see all the scenery, listen to all the languages!”
I had a side hustle for 8 months. I lived minimally. I determined to work toward my goal, and not talk about it.

Last week, I bought my flights!
A one way ticket to Dubai, then on to Sri Lanka.
My Sri Lanka visa was approved. My bag is about packed.
I just received the last few things I ordered for the road.
I have a few other stops planned along the way, but I’m not going to broadcast those.
Ill try and keep people updated via this blog, So you need not worry.

Peace babies!

I’ve been trying to decide for a while, as to how I will get back on here.
I’m going to dive in, I guess.

My current life motto is, “There’s just a lot going on.”
This is the reality.
It is often difficult for me to talk about some parts of my life. I like to be open and transparent, but with something I am protective and thus guarded.
Luckily I don’t think that many people will be reading this, so I minus well put it out there.

For those that are burning with curiosity, Andres and I separated in August of 2018.
This has all been incredibly painful and not fun to talk about. This was all happening as I was working ungodly hours as the GM of a incredibly fast paced cafe.
I was putting in more than 12 hour days, 7 days a week,  all while watching my marriage continue to unravel.
There was no major event that lead to this.  All I will say is, Fathers out there, if you are teaching your daughters to be strong and know their worth, get ready for them to expect a lot out of people and take no sh*t.
Andres and I are still legally married. We are civil. We talk. We hang out sometimes. We Don’t hate each other.
Andres is currently set to ship out to Boot Camp in the middle of the month as he wishes to pursue his dream of joining the US Navy.

I am currently living with my sister in Janesville,WI.
When my mom passed in Feb, we found out that there is a genetic factor to Aneurysms.
My mom was the 5th person in the family that my maternal grandmother could recall off hand that passed from an aneurysm in their 50s.
My family was all tested and we found out that my sister does have aneurysms as well. Lucky for us, she found them now. She is young, healthy, and tough as nails.
She just gave birth to baby boy #3.
I’m now here to offer my best attempt at emotional, sister support to my sister as we start on this path toward treatment.

I am going to be working part time at a gymnastics gym here in Janesville, as well as at Victoria’s Secret. EVERYONE GETS UNDERWEAR FOR CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR!

So here is my starting off point.
Love you all.
Forgive me if I air out other rants on here. It’s been an emotional year and a half.