Hello and Good-Byes

I have been organizing several despedida (farewell) parties for my American friend who is moving back to Texas. I met H during my Dutch language program, and even when we both left the program, we still make it a point to meet up despite the demands of work and family life. Out of the 12 people who were in the program, H will be the third one to leave the Netherlands, for good, and without their partners.

However, one thing I learned over the years is that good-byes are not necessarily forever. The world is definitely getting smaller and it is amazing that at one point the person you never expect to see again could show up a couple of years after on your doorstep. Two years ago, while vacationing in the Philippines, I couldn't believe when I bumped into friends way back in London in of all places, Greenbelt! The last time I saw them was during a farewell party when they decided to leave London to help with the re-building of Afghanistan, the homeland of their parents, which sadly they have never been to. For now, Manila is home to them after getting work for an international development agency. While in Manila, I also managed to have dinner with an Austrian and Swiss former classmates who are both working there.

So I am quite confident that at some point in our lives, H and I will see each other again. I have never been to Texas so perhaps this time I have finally a reason to explore Bush's hometown, but on second thoughts....

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There is another couple very close to me and my husband who is joining the bandwagon-- leaving the Netherlands or the continent by either accepting an expat position or choosing to migrate elsewhere. So my brother-in-law and his family are saying good-bye to Europe, to a place warmer, with more space and perhaps could provide them a better quality of life. I guess they are meant to relocate, both having found a job even before migrating, and with the attractive profit they will get from their house sale, they can have a very good head start to a new life. Not bad at all when they can finally enjoy a decent barbecue even in the middle of December.

My husband gave me this knowing look, perhaps this is one place we ought to consider for our next relocation? I wouldn't really mind, I am getting somewhat claustrophobic here in the Netherlands.

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I encouraged my husband to definitely go and take a week off to travel to Bosnia to help build houses, as part of their company's Employee volunteering program. A few days ago, I got an email from a former staff of mine requesting me to help her with a project proposal. Tah...dah...she is now based in Bosnia! I never considered visiting Bosnia, but this time, I would love to hang out again with my former staff, whom I haven't seen for seven years. We always managed to have a good laugh (and drinks) even if it meant being in trouble. I am excited to travel to Bosnia, to see a very good former colleague and for her to finally meet my family.

So many people to visit, so many places to see, so little days off, and so much things to prioritize besides traveling...**sigh**.