I have tears in my eyes as I sit on the train to Schiphol (Amsterdam) airport to begin a new chapter. I have been on the road for 6 months now, and although I’ve had a wealth of incredible experiences throughout this time (volunteering at Tamera, visiting friends, working on an off-grid property, volunteering along the Camino, house-sitting, paddling, camping, and cycle touring), some of the best experiences were sitting around the table with family and appreciating the feelings of belonging and community I rarely experience because of my nomadic lifestyle.
Spending time with my cousins and their children, witnessing my mother playing cards with her two older sisters, seeing my dad and uncle drink whiskey on the couch, enjoying our morning coffee in the backyard, going for bike rides, playing games after dinner, and hugging my aunts goodnight. It was the first time in a long time I felt like a child again without responsibility. Dinner was made, the shopping was done, the house was cleaned, and all I needed to do was set the table, fill the dishwasher, and keep my room tidy. When I live alone, I have so many moments when I just want to be looked after by someone. Especially when I’m sick. And during these past few weeks, I experienced what that feels like again.
As one of the only people in my family without children, and being the youngest cousin, I still feel a bit like the baby of the family. I have a special relationship with my aunts and uncle because of this, and am grateful for the time this grants me to connect with them and the rest of my family. It was additionally special that my parents were here, because each year that passes, I’m reminded these moments will not last forever. It made leaving very difficult. But like every beautiful moment I’m blessed with in life, all I can do is be present while living it, feel the emotions that arise, and appreciate that everything in life comes to a natural end. 🩷
Serial Nomad 
Wonderful precious times. You expressed the experiences so well. Reminds me of the saying – enjoy the little things in life because you will understand they were the big things.
Well said and I couldn’t agree more! I will hold onto these memories forever! ❤️
Rozanne- Â Â Â Â Joan and I just loved the photos. Â It’s wonderful to see your family, though not all, of course. Â Your mom looks so much like her sisters! And everyone looked to be enjoying this time together. Â Doesn’t get any better than that. One of my Colombian cousins married a Dutch geologist who was working for the UN (we’re talking the ’60’s) in Colombia. They visited with us in New Jersey shortly after they were married (Gloria, my cousin, had a brother, Eduardo, who was married to a woman who later became Mrs World. Â That’s another story–kind of hilarious). Â Anyway, Gloria and Bob eventually settled in The Hague, where Bob grew up. Â What struck me most was how much Bob hated the Germans. Â It seems that he was a little boy during WWII when the Germans invaded the Netherlands. Â One of the things they did was to close all the beaches so that Bob and his childhood friends could no longer go swimming. Â He never forgave them. Â Â Â Â Â Where are you headed now? Â Wherever it is, please continue with your notes. Â Joan and I both look forward to reading them.
Love, Joan and Dave
PS And please send some of that love to your parents and Kalya
I will send your love onto the fam for sure!! Interesting stories I’d like to dig into more! Big hugs to you both! 🤗
Hi darling, such a fantastic time we had , all together. Yes, there is something special about having a family. It is the unconditional love you feel and give. It was funny how you felt being the baby of the family, which you are. How you felt like a child, even my sisters felt like that, you being their child, and spoiled you according to it. Leaving may not always be easy, but for me it is, let you fly , so that you can experience some more unknown lovely times. Enjoy it all my butterfly.
Love you, Mutti xx
Thanks Mutti, I will treasure that beautiful time with you and your family forever. Such incredible memories! I can’t wait to see you at Christmas!!!! 😘