Well my year, 11 months actually, in Kiribati has come to an
end. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the experience and this really has been one of the
highlights of my life so far despite the many challenges the year has held. I’ve
been looking forward to getting home but now it is almost time to leave I have mixed
feelings about heading home but am looking forward to getting back into my hobbies,
including gaming when I do.
I haven’t been able to do much in the way of gaming from out
here. However, I was round at the deputy High Comms place a while back and
noticed a large collection of Osprey’s and assorted military books. You wouldn’t
be a wargamer would you? Yep. Alas we didn’t manage to get any gaming in but
was nice to chat about rules etc now and then.
One thing that has kept me sane out here is my weekly Dungeons and Dragons session with my gaming group back home via messenger. We’ve been gaming pretty much weekly since 2001 so wasn’t going to let a small matter of pretty average internet access and being in the middle of the Pacific hold me back, and indeed it has been a real sanity check being able to have that weekly contact with the guys and the silliness that is our Tuesday night gaming sessions.
As I said I’m looking forward to getting home and getting back
into a few projects. First off the block will probably be continuing my Lord of
the Rings project using Dragon Rampant rules. I have been tempted to get a few
more of those lovely Conqueror Models dwarves for my collection… we will see. However,
being out here and seeing how little people have has made me reevaluate my own priorities
regarding my discretionary spending so think I’ll be a tad more careful with gaming
purchases in future-
that’s the plan anyway.
I’ve only the tomorrow left and I’m off home, arriving mid-afternoon on Christmas day after an overnight stopover in Fiji. So expect
a more regular updates in 2019.
Craig
Hey Craig, you weren't doing an ESOL gig there were you? Just saw one advertised the other day and wondered if it was you that they were needing to replace!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great Xmas and NY, anyway, and well done on your year away.
Cheers,
Aaron
Hi Aaron, yes I was, an English Language trainer at MTC- they train young men on an 18 month programme to work on German cargo ships. 50% plus youth unemployment here, it is one of the few career options the remittances they send home supports on average 10 people. Has been a blast and yes they are currently advertising for a replacement for me for 2019 via VSA in NZ.
DeleteWelcome home, Craig! Hope you enjoy your time getting back to "civilization" and gaming!
ReplyDeleteCheers Dean. There is civilisation out here in the back of beyond, just not quite so focused on climbing corporate ladders and accumulating junk for the sake of accumulating junk. It is much more laid back and focused on community and family but I am definitely looking forward to a better standard of housing & infrastructure though! Have a great holiday season.
ReplyDelete