Family, reflection and planning have been the most common themes throughout January. A heartbreaking event brought my family closer together, I re-evaluated what was important to me and I have non-stop been thinking about my future. But let's do this chronologically.
Resolutions
My first unofficial New Year's resolution was to save as much money as I could, although I am still unsure what for. Do I save for a house? Do I save to travel? Do I save for a PhD course?
My second unofficial resolution was to travel as much as I could - small breaks to places I've never been before, which contradicts the first resolution somewhat.
The year began with opposing feelings really. I was excited at the prospect that this would be my 'holiday year' and I booked three breaks: Poland, New York City and Skiathos. However, I was also concerned and down about the wellbeing of several family members.
Barbara Howard (Karadimou)
On January 10th, my Nanna sadly passed away.
That woman was the centre of my dad's side of the family, the glue, and everyone's hero. She was a very traditional Greek lady and lived a tough life - both of her parents died at a young age, she had shrapnel scars from invasions in the second world war, moved to England where her sister lived and also died tragically, ran various public houses and shops, was a big part of the Greek Church and had 3 children to raise.
She was a feeder, forceful kisser and the most photographed woman I know. She ate until she was physically sick, had photos of herself up all over the walls in her house, made up English words, got her languages confused and offered me wafer-thin ham when I told her I was a vegetarian.
I am extremely thankful that I was lucky enough to be her granddaughter, that I got to visit her hometown in Greece with her and that I get told that I look like her all the time.
Over the past 4 years, due to vascular dementia, someone that had spent her life looking after everyone else had to rely on us.
Her Greek Orthodox funeral took place on January 19th and was completely how she would have wanted it. As hard as it was to say goodbye, I think everyone is content knowing she is now at well-deserved peace.
Poland
The day following my Nanna's funeral (January 20th), I flew to Poland with a friend.
We ate some great food, walked around Kraków town, went on a guided tour around Auschwitz and Auschwitz-Birkenau, then had a spa day.
I literally cannot put my thoughts about Auschwitz into words. What went on there is absolute madness and something your brain literally cannot comprehend. The museum was shocking, from the hill-like piles of human hair, shoes, prosthetics, luggage cases, hairbrushes and glasses to the thought that the whole MASSIVE place is an actual graveyard for 1,000,000+ people who were tricked into thinking that they were moving away. I didn't take photos inside the museum or in the buildings because it just didn't feel right to, but I took quite a few of the buildings from the outside.
Kraków:
Auschwitz:
Auschwitz-Birkenau:
My 23rd Birthday
It was my 23rd birthday on January 26th. I went out for a meal with my family, which was nice after the emotional month that we had all had, then went out for drinks with friends the night after.
Just the usual celebrations, nothing special.
I got asked how '23' feels and the only answer I could think of was 'insignificant'. I'm sure one day I'll wish I could be 23 again but right now it feels a bit like no man's land, like I'm not a real adult yet. Regardless, I'm enjoying having 0 responsibilities whatsoever.
Hope everyone had a good start to the year!
