Happy New Year!!  Email #1
            It is interesting how each new journey begins with eager anticipation, a desire to step into the unknown and consume it�K and how each travel in life ends with a dull sense of confusion, joy and loss.  Each time this feeling drives me to reflect on who I am and how I have changed.  The tough thing about traveling is that you are always leaving somewhere, leaving someone, even if that someone is a former version of yourself.  As I glance up at the stars obverse of my own I recognize little�K but Orion's belt is still close at hand.  What does it mean to be on the flipside of the world?  New triangles of stars in which happiness can be charted�K I wonder what it must feel like to lose this profound sense of poetry in the world around us, coursing through my veins.  I hope I never know.  In one month I have remembered how wonderful it can be to be truly alone, loved and lived in the comfort of family previously unknown, and happily discovered that I am still capable of teenage style, starry-eyed lusty love.  The kind that renders me silent (if you can believe it).  It is Australia, or me?  Am I finally remembering how to just let go?  Who knows, and to think�K. So many more journeys ahead.  Of course, all of this babbling is surely utterly confusing to you which just shows that no matter how many things change, "I'm still, I'm still Katie from the block!"

              So how was your holiday season?  I think we can all agree that this year has come and gone with far too much speed.  If, scattered around the globe separated by different anxieties, tribulations and small wonders we conclude nothing else together let us at least acknowledge the passage of time.  I find that no matter how many ways I measure the passing years (my age, years since high school graduation, years since my father died, etc) none of them capture the speed of change, wholly separate from time itself.

              Ok, enough waxing poetic.  Underneath all this composure and assembly of deep and stark realizations is the reality of my December�K that it was absolutely ridiculous.  But then, when living with a troupe of Scottish emigres, what more is to be expected?!  As you can see from the pictures I spent this last month in Australia, traveling a bit with my Scottish cousin Fiona and also on my own, while the rest of the time I camped out at my cousin's home in Melbourne, trying to decipher the 'English' everyone was speaking (a mish mash of various English English accents, Scottish accents, Scottish/Aussie accents and Aussie accents).  Let me tell you, in no place on earth is the same English spoken twice! Though I can say I am convinced Americans are the most clear when we speak!!! ;-)  My major accomplishment this break- learned to scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef!  Other random occurrences�Xwhile walking around Sydney with Fiona, in a slightly hung over daze (exacerbated by the hot, hot sun) we stumbled into a free Bon Jovi concert (that leather clad hero can still rock it).  Saw the inside of far too many pubs and cafes (I am convinced that Aussies divide their time equally between eating and drinking, and nothing else).  Was hit on on New Year's by a Scot in a kilt who claimed to be an oil tycoon on holiday in Australia (hah!).  Figured out that sometime in the future you will have to start addressing your letters: Katie Berroth, somewhere, Australia.

               So now, it is back to the 'grind' here in good ol' Hong Kong.  It is rather nice to be home though I must say, I almost forgot I lived here.  And, since inquiring minds surely want to know I must inform you that I will be here through at least May 2004 so COME VISIT!  And don't fear, I will be back and better than ever with a few good stories.  Next stop (probably) BURMA.  In the meantime, Happy New Year, Happy Chinese New Year (Shin Nian Kuai Le) and best wishes to you all!

Love,
Katie

PS.  Hold your mouse over each picture for a short description!
NOT MY COUSIN John, and DEFINITELY MY COUSIN Fiona Vanessa (with Kylie Minogue earrings) and Crawford
Early into the evening--things became way more ridiculous!
Sydney Opera House--Truly Amazing
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