The end

Dear people that have followed my journey in the last few months,

I just had instant noodles for lunch. When I finished backpacking, I swore that I'd never eat instant noodles again, since that's about the only thing that kept me alive during those seven weeks. And here I am, back home, in Holland, rain everywhere, wearing three layers of clothes, a scarf and my winter jacket all day long, eating instant noodles. Just because it reminds me of something great.

Last Wednesday my plane landed at 9:40 am, after a 30-hour journey, from Sydney to Singapore, Singapore to London and London to Amsterdam. By the time I walked on Dutch grounds again, I hadn't slept for about 36 hours. And then I still had the whole day ahead of me. Luckily, at first, I was so excited, because I could see and hold everyone again, so I didnt feel I was tired. That night, I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore after 7. I woke up at 9 the next morning.

For 6 days now, I've been busy visiting my family and friends, sleeping, selecting pictures that I wanted to print and printed them (they're now all over the dining table, waiting to be put in a photo album), arranging stuff for my uni application etc etc.

Everything kind of felt normal rather quickly. First, you see someone again, you're super happy, give them a big hug, the next moment you're talking about the weather. Of course, there are some not-so-nice things. For example, being called a moron when I'm being sociable by greeting someone I pass in the street. The rain and 13 degrees eversince I arrived. The jetlag that makes me feel like crap. The hills in Sydney that I used to hate so much. Not being able to talk English and Dutch at the same time with a Dutch person, just because Dutch doesn't always suffice for what you want to say. Having to walk my dog again everday.

But being back feels a lot better than I expected. I've been keeping myself busy deliberately, so I don't start pitying myself, but I actually like being able to just grab my bike and go to my grandparents again.  And I like the harsh Dutch jokes that embarass me all the time. And I like eating all the unhealthy Dutch stuff, which makes me have to do more sports, and that actually is a good thing.

I do want to go back though. Maybe that's why I'm not sad. Because I know I'll go back, the goodbye is not forever. First I'll see if I get in uni, if I do, I'll study. If I don't... who knows.

Anyhow, this is the last article on my blog. I've uploaded my travelling-pictures, so you've got something to keep yourselves entertained. It was a pleasure to tell you some of my experiences Down Under, I hope you've enjoyed it. And I'll probably talk to you soon, in real life!