Munich

Netherlands

Its hard to explain my passion and love for change, for new spaces, new people, learning new things, listening to different languages, tasting new foods. I am so in love with it all. It's hard to put into words how I feel when I travel, how I immediately get this sense of purpose and fulfilment. Even weeks after coming home I look back and I feel so incredibly satisfied with my life, refreshed, ready for my next adventure. The fact I know that so many new places exist and are yet to be visited is what keeps me going to my job, its what makes me work hard at study for just for that feeling of overwhelming happiness that I can only get from exploring. Holland was one place I felt like a piece of me was left behind in, I met with my family that I barely knew, but they made me feel so incredibly welcome and at home. It was nice to feel that comfort after a few weeks of so much of taking new things in. I could have spent a while longer there, but time and money would not permit.

We stayed in Hattem, a few minutes out of Zwolle, in the Dutch country side, where the air was crisp and we were surrounded by nature, warm family and home cooked meals. Pure bliss after weeks of eating out. It was fascinating to learn about my family's history and how where my Opa grew up. How he too had a streak of wonder in him, which is what brought him to Australia, along with our fantastic weather. After days of relaxation we headed for bustling Amsterdam, which was such a cool city. Everyone dressed so well. bicycles lined the streets, and watching out for cyclists was a nice change to watching out for cars.

We stayed in a hostel, which was fairly central called Coco Mama, unfortunately with such a small amount time in amsterdam not much exploring was done, and its on the top of my list for when I return. Anne Franks house was managed to be fit in, which of course gave me a sense of sadness and gratitude. Oh how much our generation takes for granted, sometimes I wish for something to shake some sense into those ungrateful people, even if it is just a bit of education.

What felt like a whirlwind through Holland, with a taste of the city and the countryside. While also managing a visit to a theme park called the Efteling I visited as a child, I was more than satisfied. But still feeling time was stolen from me when we left, I really missed my family afterwards too. Thank you Holland and my beautiful welcoming family who made me feel so at home.