Back Home again!!!

Even though I had said that I had written my last blog, I really did want to make an exception. I realized that the experience of travelling does not stop the minute you are back at the airport greeted by your family, but it is followed by an emotional rollercoaster. Just as I had to find my way in Cambodia, I needed to find my way around back home. Not everything is the same once you return, friends have departed, others have moved, there are happy as well as sad feelings. I have not yet figured out how to let go of such an extraordinary time, so all I wanted was to get back to asia on the first flight out of here.
However the best thing of course was seeing my family and friends, and telling my stories over and over again. I was happy I already had my pictures printed, so I wasn't only telling but I was able to show people what I had seen, even though most already had already been seen through this brilliant website. The evenings were the hardest part, I felt like I was ready to burst with energy. Sitting still upon return is not easy if you have just spend 3 months moving. However life continues pretty quickly, and even though I did not really work all that hard, I was happy that the sun had finally come to the Netherlands (I told you I would bring it, so it was delayed! my apologies ...) When everyone was cycling in t-shirts I was still wearing a wintercoat, and I wasn't even that hot (only hot looking :p).
On friday, it was a beautiful day, so I took the liberty to take a few pictures of Groningen, as these might be my last months here, I thought it would be great to have some touchable memories, but as I was walking around there it felt surreal. I realized that even though I have lived here for almost 7 years, I had not missed the city itself, yes the people in it, but if they would move, nothing would keep me here. Having said that, it is a beautiful city, and worth a visit. In the evening I went to my mothers home for the weekend, as I was asked to babysit my niece and to come home and celebrate Fons' (my mothers fiance) birthday. Grandpa was turning old, even though he liked to convince us that hes still a young man. It was great, and it was fun, but I am convinced, children are a lot of work, and even though my niece is an angel, I am going to stay away from having my own for another dozen year or so :)
Monday I went back to Groningen, and now it is countdown, 6 weeks till the deadline, 6 weeks to finish my thesis. It will be a lot of work, but I am motivated and looking forward to finishing it, and seeing you all on my graduation party!!! so keep your fingers crossed and send me all your positive energy so that I might graduate soon.
The week went really great, even though my heart is still in Cambodia I am finally starting to write my thesis, if all goes well, my 1st draft will be handed in on the 16th of June, the presentation is to be held on the 29th of June, and my graduation ceremony will be on the 29th of August. So then there will be a huge party in Groningen!!
Thank you once again for all your support and friendship, and please keep sending your positive fibes this way!!

Lots of Love

Loes

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