Homecoming

Yesterday's homecoming day marks the end of the exchange: everyone is back in the Netherlands, already busy again with all kinds of stuff, like the period abroad is nothing but a faraway memory. But it is more than that. At the homecoming day, organized by the University, all students who went abroad got the opportunity to talk about their experiences and about what it is like to be back. Interesting to hear all the stories and it appears the exchange has been a life changing experience to some. Being away for such a long time, at an unknown place, does change you. For me, it made me more aware: of contrasts between countries, of different ways of organizing society, but also of my own reactions towards things. I realized that experiences are mainly determined by your own attitude: you can be cranky when you have to sit in a bus for 10 hours, or you can choose to accept it and make the most of it, even enjoy it.

Before my final words about the whole adventure, I will finish what I have started: a report on my travels.

The last time I wrote, it was 30 December 2011 and Iris and I were in Chiang Mai. On the 31st, we went for another round of souvenir shopping and in the evening we met up with our elephant-friends to have cocktails and watch the fireworks on the roof of the bar. The sky was covered with lanterns, so beautiful!

On the first day of the new year we had a looooooooong trip ahead of us: 8.45 get on train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, duration: 12 hours. 22.50 get on train to Chumporn, duration: 8 hours in a train with seats, no beds. And it was so cold! With some books, the occasional nap, talk and phone calls home. When we arrived in Chumporn, the ferry had already left, which meant we had to wait for the 13.00h ferry to get to our final destination: Koh Tao. This wasn't without hazards. The sea was wild! And even though the catamaran was really big, it went up and down like crazy and all around us people were puking. Bags and paper to clean up were handed out constantly. Unfortunately, I was one of those puking people in the end. Thanks Iris, for not taking pictures.

The diving was great fun! I am a certified diver now and can't wait to go to other areas to explore the underwater world.

I had one final weekend in Singapore to close off the whole period. I got to see two of my dear friends and the Boon family, who I got to see regularly during my stay. It is not often you get the opportunity to see friends who have moved to such a faraway place!

On Monday evening I left for the airport, with - as it turned out - almost 45 kg of luggage. Luckily, the airline let me take it all, after some consideration. The flights were long, but as soon as they are behind you, it is almost forgotten. I watched some movies, slept a little and played "who am I?" (a piece of paper is stuck to your forehead with a name on it, and then you have to guess who you are) with the stewards and stewardesses. In Düsseldorf, I was welcomed by my whole family, they made a banner with me in my diving gear and 'welcome home' on it :D. And home I was, at last.

In hindsight, I had more difficulty leaving Singapore than I had expected. Also now, one month at home, I do miss some things: the freedom, the simple life of an exchange student, since there are much less responsibilities than back home. So I have to admit, I had to get used to life here again.

But despite some adaptation issues, I would recommend everyone to go on exchange. It gives you the opportunity to become more independent and to get a taste of life abroad.

It has brought me many things, some I am aware of now, but I am sure that in the months and years to come I will notice the influence of my time abroad.

Much love,

Anne-Fleur