Hope, I'm so glad you posted!!! I've been wondering how your new life was going. Sounds very interesting. What a rare oppurtunity to have such a once in lifetime experience. Definitely, what you needed.
I think I totally understand what you mean about being lonely where you don't know anyone as opposed to being lonely where you know everyone. You don't have to wonder what everyone is thinking everytime they see you out "alone".
You are right, you have not only survived, but thrived in a big way!!!
Keep us posted and let us live vicariously through you! How much longer will you be there?
Hugs, Yoyo
Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they're supposed to help you discover who you are. -- Bernice Johnson Reagon