A chapter closes. Another opens.

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Hello all,

As this three month chapter closes I can confidently say that it was everything that I hoped it would be. I have learned more about my mom than I thought I would have, I have meet some wonderful people - including her friends, I have had the honor of spending time with great family, I have gone from being a 10 year old to a 14 year old in Dutch, and I have spent more than my share of time alone - I am tired of self-reflection. I am going to miss the smell of chocolate in Wormer, the sound of my spinning instructor yelling encouragements in Dutch, living with two people who I have created an unanticipated bond with, the train rides into Amsterdam to go to class, and the two women who have opened their homes and hearts to me and who have answered all my questions about mom and shared their thoughts with me. From all of this I have returned to Toronto feeling lighter, happier and so grateful for such a significant experience.

Here are some photos.

The site wouldn't let me add captions to some of them so you will see photos of the farm in Dwingeloo that Andre has a share in, some time spent at the beach, my beautiful cousin Tess and our mini trip to Den Haag, views from the window at Andre's place, my time with Eef, my time with Katrien in Den Bosch and also her place near Tilburg, the building where I had my class, photos of Amsterdam from a huge Ferris Wheel in Dam Square, a trip to Terschelling - an island on the coast of Holland, a kayak trip, and a picnic in Vondelpark with Annelies.
I'll keep trying to add captions...

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