Hans van Wees
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Hans van Wees
Left the Netherlands in 1987 with two suitcases and a boombox, a leaving gift from my colleagues. I was 26, had finished college, 16 months of army duty, 2 years of work and 2 months in the US and decided there was more to see in the world. I was very keen to experience living and working abroad, leaving behind teary-eyed friends and family at Schiphol airport with the assuring words (which later defined the next 20 years of my life): I will be back in a year!
The hotel company I worked for was transfering me to Bermuda, I had no idea where this was but after a short consultation of the Winkler Prins encyclopedia I was excitedly looking forward to life on a subtropical island. My one-year abroad turned into 8 years in Bermuda followed by another 13 years in the United States; I had become an emigrant in denial. As a result I now call all three places home, which is often confusing to my family, and to myself!, although I like to think of myself as being a world citizen. After a 21 year absence and 25 years working in the hospitality industry, a marriage, subsequent divorce and a newfound love with my life partner Karen I am about to embark on the next step of my journey. I am quitting my job and on September 1st we will be heading out to explore the world, however not to another job this time but rather to live and learn in other cultures and to celebrate life with Karen. 8 weeks to go...