Germany

Mum and Dad were coming to pick me up and of course my phone had run out of credit. I used Roberto’s to tell them that the train was already an hour late and that they should call me so that I could give a better estimate of when I would be arriving in Frankfurt. In the train we got a time stamp of the delay on our tickets. I got started to chat with a girl from Mongolia and she told me if I could get the ticket refunded I would be more than welcomed to hers since she would be flying back home the next day with her friends. At the train station they gave away free drinks, which I really needed since it was so dry in the train and than got my refund sorted out … called Mum and Dad since I hadn’t seen them and suddenly they were there right in front of me. We went home and had dinner and afterwards we want to see Dominic play in Oberursel im “Brauhaus”. It was jazz but it was lacking the spirit and was rather boring. He was happy to see me and I got introduced to his friends. The smoke though was hard on my eyes and I got tired really quickly.
I had managed to deal with almost everything except my insurance so I called a guy up from Victoria and managed to take care of my insurance on Sunday. Monday was passed with seeing and talking with some more friends and Tuesday was there very soon … the only difference was that this time I got to see bye twice since I was still hunting for my adapter o,))) and had no luck! It was good to be home and it will always be home just like the place where I am is home. In Madrid I bought some Turron and some food since on the short flight you could BUY your food since it wasn’t for free (thanks Mum the banana and grapes came in handy) - only on the long haul to Guate. I was sitting next to a doctor and it was pleasant enough and the food was okay and the air as well as a matter of fact it was better than the flight with Air France in business. I arrived safe and sound after a long flight.

Back at home I had to go through my boxes and suitcases to find fresh clothes, documents that I needed etc. It was strange being back home as a guest and not really having a “home” (guess Antigua would qualify since I have a house key). I surprised myself by managing to stay up all day and even watched a bit of TV at night. I slept through only woke up around 5am and had problems to go back to sleep.
The next day was full with appointments doctor, notary, bank etc. all the fun stuff! Elmer and I got to chat via Skype a bit as well so he didn’t feel so far away.
The weekend I was also at home and got to see my little brother who is a far cry from being little. It is kind of interesting to see how we both turned out. Currently we are closer than before just the kind of people we both hang with are very different. Of course Mum and Dad were worried about my decision since it is so out of tune for me to do, get married after knowing someone only for about 6 months. I actually would have been upset if they hadn’t reacted worried etc. Not that it feels very comfortable having to defend your belief that you are doing the right thing for yourself. Of course I also have had my doubts and all but no warning lights went off during the whole time we lived together and spent together. He is just a wonderful person and has so much to give and is really curious about anything new and there is so much to learn … the most important thing though is that he makes me happy on a daily basis. We have had our ups and downs already and we have always come through them stronger. Dominic was backing me in the end through the conversation and that was a nice surprise! It was so nice to be home and get pampered by Mum and Dad. Sunday was time to pack my bag to go to the Netherlands for 13 days.

The last night here at home with my parents and brother. We had a nice family meal and I am logging on for the last time from here and the next entry will be from the States.
I have FINALLY managed to pack my bag and all that is left now is to load the electronic equipment for ready use tomorrow. Pack only the personal belongings and than I'll be off to bed because I am so TIRED O)

Since yesterday last night I am back in Germany until I board the plane to JFK, NY, USA Wednesday at 12.45pm from Frankfurt!

Since my first entry a lot has happened. Lets see where to start: First of all apologies to those of you that might not have been aware that my mobile had crashed some time ago and that I had lost phone numbers (therefore no call from me forthcoming) as well as that I haven't had internet access from home anymore (for some months). I was in for a surprise therefore when I checked out my private account last night and it was full with responses and only than did I realize that I hadn't logged on since January. Sorry! I promise that I will check more regularly O) However, I had the feeling that I was constantly busy with something that either needed to be done or a list to be made or go out and meet new people ... sometimes all I wanted was a night to chill. O)

After reading some mails from you there are some that have been out of the loop for a while and here is the quick summary: I am divorced since last year, made the decision to take 6 months out and do volunteer work in Guatemala as a teacher, apartment in the Netherlands will hopefully be sold soon (keep your fingers crossed), no job to come back to which means lots of opportunity for me than in October o))

The fact that the apartment had to be left empty behind made the last few weeks in Vleuten quite interesting as in sorting through things what to give away, what to trash, what to donate etc. Once Menno came by to take the last furniture out of the apartment it felt more like camping than anything else but it was alright and an experience! There were lately always events that marked the time passing. I can say that I have really lived the last few weeks in Utrecht and am glad that I got to know some of you guys better. I am curious to find out who from work or the "Old Dutch" will stay in touch over the next few months o

I had my leaving drinks Thursday night (16-03-06) and we sure had a good time especially judging by the pictures o)) which tended to become less focused as the evening wore on!

Friday being the last work day was a very odd day. No, it had nothing to do with me having a hang over O Okay, I was tired but I felt more like watching myself tidying up my desk, handing things over, saying bye to the front-office in person ... was weird. I got the hugest bye-bye card that I had ever seen and a really cool gift -an ipod nano (still need to work out how to use it)! At night my team had a surprise planned for me. We went out for drinks first and than had an extensive Japanese meal and some of us continued on. We ended up dancing until early in the morning in the "Jam". Guys, if one of you scans the pictures in than I'll post the best one here on the webpage!

Saturday my parents came by and we enjoyed the last day in Vleuten. Sunday we brought the last things away to be recycled etc. and once we saw what was left to be taken home. I seriously thought this is never going to fit in the combi. Mentally I was already preparing myself to go through things again and check stuff out. After some shuffling we did fit it all and my Mum and I even had bags between our legs and on our laps. I couldn't even reach my seat belt lock that's how tightly I was squeezed in; just thinking of bed was a relief!

I am currently just taking a break from looking through clothes as to what has to be packed. It really isn't easy if your clothes are in 6 different bags/ suitcases o but I better get on with it since there is more to be done still.