Non, je ne regrette rien

I wish I was able to say that I regret having wasted so much time, effort and love on someone who was clearly not prepared to take it. What I only saw much later was that you were so not ready to start a new relationship. You were still reeling from that last relationship, lacking self-esteem and confidence, and no wonder: to spend four years, four long years in a controlling relationship with someone who clearly does not even reach up

The Kindness of Strangers

For many years I used to work as immigration officer. The story I am about to tell was not one of my cases, it was related to me by a friend of mine who got marginally involved.

In 2001 a Congolese family fled the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While escaping the mother was killed, with the children witnessing the killing, and in the ensuing chaos one of the daughters, who was only three years old at that time, and her

Another Dating Disaster

I spent a good part of a Saturday afternoon getting ready for a date with an “Oregon-son-of-a-cowboy-turned-expat” (his words, not mine). In my skinny black jeans, high heels and a blow dry I look million dollars. I get to the place where we had agreed to meet and I cannot find what I am looking for. Namely a tall guy who looks “like a Hollywood actor or two” (again – his words). (Later on I concluded that if I had a couple of strong drinks I might have – depending on the degree of intoxification – traced a vague similarity to Kyle

The Tragedy of Dating Someone From The State Department

 

He looked good on paper. Ivy League educated. Known to have a great sense of humour. Loved to go out to new restaurants and try new food. That’s what his online profile said. He was prepared to drive the 200 km to my town to take me out on a date because he loved seeing new places. That’s what he said. An American living in Germany. We arranged a date for a Saturday evening. Around 3pm he texted to say he had locked himself out of his apartment, but was about to leave and would hopefully make it on time. Not one of those excuses again!, I thought to myself. First seed of doubt was planted.

I Will Fix You (The Story of Dave)

Once again in my life I am reeling from a bad break-up. I am crying a river over the lost love. I loved someone madly and it went to waste and true to Coldplay I am stuck in reverse:

The Only Women He Ever Loved

A couple of years ago I spent a long weekend in southern Andalusia. My relationship of two years finished five months before that and I was still licking my wounds. So in an attempt to escape the madness that was still ravaging my thoughts I flew down to Jerez de la Frontera.