mission45

In 2020, I moved to Bristol, UK. Bristol is a city that sits almost on the coast. So, that means that my Mission45 was almost completed. I can see the water if I go to the famous Sea Walls in Bristol Downs. Brown, not very inviting water of the Bristol Channel, and the charming town of Portished, where I frequently drink coffee and have an overpriced pastry in Mokoko.

My mission was almost completed. Bristol is almost a city. I’m almost a writer. Are we there yet? Are we happy yet? Not quite. But there were many good things during this last transition:

• I found a lovely house which feels like home, and I’m happy every time I get back home from the trip.
• I wrote my first novel, which was (to my surprise) long-listed and short-listed for 3 most important book awards in my native country.
• I became a permanent resident in this lovely country, which treats me quite well. There is also a lot of shit in this country, worth writing about. Stay tuned.
• I traveled the world and the places I have not seen before: Asia, the Middle East, Latin America…

Some things did not change. I’m still doing my daily job. It pays for my home, my travels, and my writing. I’m my own patron; I pay for my own grants, retreats, and residences. I was even unintentionally promoted at work, against all odds. And my company treats me well. Can’t say a bad word about them. It’s just that my job looks a lot like palliative care of a very rich old person who can live for many many more years because they can afford it. While there is no tragedy in that situation, no one really enjoys it. Neither the caregiver nor the caretaker. It’s not fun. And I need some fun.

In my Mission55 posts, I will explore slightly different topics. I will write more about life in England and share more of my fiction. I’m still not ready to write a novel in English, but I feel it’s time to share some short stories. I will write about career, but from another angle—how to kill it and how to reinvent yourself. I will do a couple of social experiments and write about them. I will touch on books I’m reading, places I visit, and people I meet – but only if they trigger some interesting debate or thinking process. I’m not into travel blogging or bookstagramming.

Welcome to Mission55 – Life in Transition. I hope we will have a blast!