Surprise in the Netherlands

My original plan was to fly from Istanbul back to Australia to work. The beauty of traveling without a time limit is that your plans change multiple times. Flying from Athens instead of Istanbul would save me around 250 euro. My plan changed again and I decided to do a few places in Europa as well. Some months ago in Iran the idea of going back home started, the seed was planted. I started thinking about how close-by home I actually was and the decision was quickly made. I would go back home to the Netherlands without telling anyone. 

I was looking forward to the moment to see everyone again. Especially because this would be a big surprise for everyone including myself. I informed only a few people that I was coming home to arrange the first 24 hours. I got picked up at the airport by Christel who I met 1,5 years ago in Australia. She dropped me later off by Pepijn in Tilburg. A good friend were I used to live, work and travel with for a long time. After a good night of talking I saw the day after some family as well in Tilburg. After a coffee stop with them nearby the train station I took the train to Best. This is the place where Tessa works. I knew there was a big chance she would be in or around Tilburg due to work or study. Luckely for me she decided to go in the afternoon back to Limburg for father’s day. For me a ride back home and a chance to talk with Tessa. So far its al going very smooth back home. 

Arrived in my home city called Merkelbeek I would visit first Tetske (sister). I knew my parents would come back later that day from holiday and Jos (brother in law) and Joep (godson) would be at the football field. We received some weeks ago the great news they would get another child. Unfortunately my sister is feeling not that good due the pregnancy. The positive thing about this is that the chance of being back home is very big. I ringed the bell and knocked the door and luckely I noticed some noise and movement inside. She opened the door and didn’t believe her eyes. Her first words were what the fuck and the hugging started. After this disbelief I went inside and we had some nice time to only talk with the teo of us. 

A few hours Joep and Jos came home. Joep saw me and didn’t know how to react or what to do and walked away. Luckely the reaction of Jos was way better and surprised as well. After 10 strangely minutes of adapting for him he would finally aproach me and give me some hugs. Tetske was in touch with Henk and Lia (parents) to arrange some food for when they would be back. Offcourse they had no idea about me being around and using the food as an excuse. Joep was immediately kind  of disappointed because he wanted to tell my parents I was here as a surprise. I had to make up the story that they missed Joep and me a lot and we had to hide in the bathroom. Luckely this worked, I was sort of afraid he otherwise would run outside to tell my parents im back and not having this directly surprise effect. At the end I was happy to do this together and have some pre fun with Joep on the bathroom. 

I heard my parents in the house kissing Jos and Tetske for their return from holiday. This was the moment to come out of the bathroom to surprise for me the best parents in the world. My parents face expression and their reaction was priceless to me. Actually every reaction I would have this week was priceless. After a lot of hugging, kissing and tears it was time to have food, relax and talk together. 

The best thing about surprising is the faces and reactions from the people that you visit. Last year people knew I was coming back home and my program was completely filled with different kind of meetings. The advantage of surprising is as well that there is more personal rest in this already hectic and busy period. 

To make a story short and not repeat everyday I just tell how every evening kind of was. I surprised my friends by just going there without letting them know (except their girls). In the first days I visited Yves, Ramona, Sam, Femke, Geert and Chinouk. Their reactions were all different but so good. After the surprise we had a lot and good talks and some beers.

I told all the people to keep the secret that I’m back home. This to surprise other people and not letting a lot of people know I’m back. Friday I visited the birthday party from Rik and Roel and only a few persons there know I’m back. This was a perfect chance to see a lot of people in one evening. The reactions and interest was again really good. I had an amazing party that ended late but for me personally way to early. I should have needed way more time to talk with people as I wanted. The good thing is even I didn’t speak some people or very short I at least saw them again for a bit.  

Tuesday was Joeps 5th birthday and on saturday the big party. After a long last evening this one was not with less beers and talks, again a good one. My body is slowly running on alcohol since I arrived back in the Netherlands. Sunday my family and some friends came together at my parents place. Unfortunetaly I had absolutely a shortage in time to speak with everyone. I would love to have way and way more time to speak relaxed, personal and without a time limit and pressure.  At the end I’m really happy they all came to see me and we had a great afternoon. Again I’m really thankfull and blessed for the family and friends that I have. Thanks to all these experiences I appreciate this all more and more. 

The morning after I brought Joep to school on a bike. He really liked this but was kind of nervous as well before leaving. I was and am really happy that I did this and had a good and personal goodbye hug and kiss in his classroom. After packing my stuff the time to say goodbye had come. After this my parents brought me to Eindhoven airport. After a coffee and some big hugs and kisses the journey would continue again. 

What an amazing week, this felt so good to hug, kiss and be surrounded with everyone again. Im really happy for the sturdy base I have back home. I really enjoyed being here and would like to see the people more. But I know for myself I dont feel home at this moment in the Netherlands. I dont see myself at this moment for a longer period being here and work. My adventure is absolutely not ended yet and I have no clue where to be or what to do in the next years. The idea of having this freedom gives me a good feeling. Besides that I learnt that the Netherlands is one of the best countries world wide to live,  But not for me yet. Since I arrived in the Netherlands im drinking everyday, for my body it is a good thing to leave.