I've been building a live for myself slowly in Seattle after spending two-plus months gallivanting around Europe in July, August and September.

School in Bulgaria finished up in June. I spent nearly four weeks traveling with my dAd and my sister in Bulgaria and to Istanbul. The day they left, I caught a flight to Poland and met up with my friend R. Together we hit up Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, St Petersburg and Helsinki. She flew back to the States and I went to Berlin for a week. I spent a few days in Sofia before flying with a cat to Barcelona. Barcelona was a dream and my week there flew by. I returned to Sofia for a whirlwind of goodbyes, hugs, tears and my suitcases. On my way to Seattle, I spent a week in Washington DC and five days in New York City. From DC I headed home to Walla Walla before finally making it to Seattle. Phew. That was a lot travel.

Since then I've been busy making a life for myself in Seattle. I am stealing my sister's friends. I've found a great apartment. I've been applying for jobs and working in a part-time job. I've been getting to know my neighbors and I've been watching football. Let's be clear, I mean, American football.

Here's what I have to say: so far, so good. <!--more-->

Having never lived in Seattle and having grown up on the other side of the state, Seattle feels fresh and it still holds plenty of surprises. I like that.

One of the things that I worried about was the weather. (I know, I know.) This said, I've been pleasantly surprised. Sure, there's been rain and plenty of grey skies but there hasn't been much actual winter to speak of.

I've spent most of December, January and February in ballerina flats. I've worn my boots occasionally but much more out of vanity than out of any real need. I just thought boots would complete my outfit. Thus far we've had one night where it snowed but it wasn't anything serious and melted by lunch the next day. If this is "winter" in Seattle, I'll take it.

Sure, I miss Sofia and recently I found myself day-dreaming about cheap Bulgarian beer and french fries with sirene cheese but these things are bound to happen. I <em>did</em> live in Sofia for five years.