A U.S. break... that lasted two and a half years!

After returning from Iraq in February 2011, I decided to take a little break to relax, before starting up the job search and getting back to work.  That little break continued for six months, and by August I had finally found a job.  I spent two years working as a contractor at the Department of State, in the Office of English Language Programs, where we developed and launched a new website that provides resources to English teachers and students.

Over the two and a half years, I found a few outlets for entertainment and adventure, and even managed a little bit of travel.  I got out to do some cycling around the East coast, visited friends in Ireland, travelled to Morocco for work, and then also spent lots of 9-5 days in a cubicle at the State Department while searching for a job to keep me entertained and challenged.  I made a lot of friends, had some fun, and made time for me  :-)  

In October 2013, I finally escaped, and will update the blog shortly with the latest news.  Meanwhile, here are a few tastes of those interim adventures.

Enjoy!  CC

I spent a lot of time with my bike.  
Maybe too much.

Riding through the covered bridges is always 
a fun distraction from the miles. 

Cycling friends again at a covered bridge

The Five-Boro BikeTour in NYC is a great fun ride with 40,000 other cyclists!

Fabulous Irish Friends!!

The obligatory tour of Jameson's...
nope, I still don't like it.

Hiking in Ireland - fabulous views of hills and sea!

More fun in Canada... 

Free Cake!!  Another reason to love Canada!

 At the Montreal Jazz Festival:
Olivier Babaz, a very cool jazz musician

Cherry Blossoms -- this was along the route where I rode my bike in the mornings before work. 

One of my regular cycling routes, the Anacostia Branch Trail,
is a system of well kept multi-use trails and parkland.

There goes my neighbour in his fancy car... 

I found a little fun at RFK Stadium, supporting DC United...
Also with my cycling friends, who are always welcomed on the field
as close friends of the team!

One of the best times of the year, for pumpkins and for cycling!

This is a cool little cafe
 in Marrakech, Morocco -
It overlooks part of the marketplace

But this is where I'd rather be - in the middle of a souk!

More hiking, through the marshlands
 in western France

Really in the marshes!

Escape to peace and quiet on the water.

And of course I'm always happy to do more of this!