Oct-2013
Far from loved ones
The day of my departure creeps closer as time ticks away and I have begun to think through what it means to not just go to other places, but to leave places behind.
I will be leaving behind many people, pets and routines.
While lots of items on the following list will be sorely missed, I have enough good reasons why it will all be okay.
Family
Do the math, how often do you see your family currently? Especially if you live in another city or even country. Two, maybe three times per year? Plus, in this age of cellphones, Skype and Social Media such as Facebook, it is so much simpler. Of course some family members you see more often and you might be closer to one relative than the other. I will really miss my dad, and my lovely sister with who I am very close and my sweet cousins and aunt who live in my hometown, and other relatives live on the other side of the country or even abroad. Anyway, being overseas gives my holiday-loving family so many good excuses to come and visit me at an exotic place!
My dad and I at Hierve el Agua – when he visited me in Mexico
Friends
This is a tough one! Since I moved back to the Netherlands about a year ago I started seeing my friends quite a lot again and we got into the routine of spending time together frequently. Going to the movies (as we did today), having a drink on the terrace, barbecuing in the garden, going out and dance, cooking together, visiting festivals, enjoying each other’s company by just talking and relaxing, and so much more…
I will have to spend much time with my friends before I leave to compensate the 200 days that I will spend abroad…
Unless any of them want to meet up while I am abroad. Carnival in Brazil anyone?
Buddies! Love you guys!
Pets
Did you know I have a tiny parrot and 3 turtles? Jup, I really do.
I know it is a bit sad because I am away so much, so here is what I have got to do. I will have to bring my bird Gizmo to my sister and probably give away the three giant turtles 🙁
Cute and annoying: sleeping on my keyboard so that I cannot type and have to pet him
Favorite food
I have quite a few favorite meals in The Netherlands (french fries and a snack from the local snackbar in Brouwhuis is near the top) but come on… I know what awaits me abroad. I am salivating knowing that I will get to sample all of the Latin American cuisines and I already know I will miss those meals when I have to return to the Netherlands!
It will all be OK
Yes.
Yes it will.
No matter my list of things I will miss, it is all quickly eclipsed by my excitement to travel. I will miss my family, friends, pets and foods, but with today’s technology, nobody is that far from loved ones and the food will be right there where I left it when I come back. Though I hope the food will still be fresh of course!
It will all be OK.
Are you still traveling? What are the things you thought you would miss before you left? Do you really miss them?
or
Do you yet have to depart? Is there anything you worry about missing?
About Renate Rigters
Ever since I left my home country I felt at home at any other place I went to. I enjoy getting to know more cultures by talking to strangers and hearing their philosophy about life. Speaking with gestures when you can not find a shared language, finding places only the locals go to and learn about their customs and values. Hanging out with local people makes me happy. The experience of every new place is a step out of your comfort zone where I like to wander around until it feels like a second home.
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