It's been a year

Last year this day, I moved into my new house at Westerpark.

4 days from now, I am moving to another house at Slotermeer, leaving this place that gives me lots of memories. The past 6 months have been wonderful, living with a friend that gives me too much joy and laughter and anger at times. Like waking me up at 5 am on a Sunday morning because someone keeps forgetting her keys. I will not name names. But I still love you mate!

Last Friday I went to the boat party, the Rochdale boat. Too bad Mona was not there, we could have reminisced together about that excruciating one month we have spent in this prison called the "container" on Stavangerweg. I would have gone mad if it wasn't for Mona. This girl - I will miss her terribly for I have to say goodbye to her in 5 days! But don't worry, I will be in London very often from now on - to keep her company :)

This summer has been difficult. Witnessing a lot of dear friends leaving the city and going home or elsewhere. Finishing their school degree, getting engaged, starting grad school, beginning a new career. The first time I bid farewell, I thought no, I can't do this anymore because it hurts to see someone leave. But I learned - that's it, being an expatriate, as we all are, there will be one day that it is time to pack up and go. Of course there are those that stay, but many leave. I know I am part of the latter. I just know. Someday it will be my turn, but like my sis tells me - just live the moment and to be as alive as possible during this year.

I don't know where I will be next year this time. I have never felt this insecure before, but who cares, I'm surrounded by a great group of friends, and a supporting family and all those back home who are always willing to hear me bitch and moan about stupid and crappy things of my life here.

Pictures of my past home:

1) I lived near a boat!
Left: my Stavangerweg container
Right: "Containers" from the outside


2) Westerpark:
Left: a view from my bedroom with dirt cheap tulips bought on a Sunday afternoon from bloemenmarkt
Right: Kitchen


Pictures of my new house will be posted as soon as I move in. Let's see how long it takes to install wireless internet at the new place..........my battle against Dutch Bureaucracy for the nth time. Yeah!