Me and my baby on a plane

Sunday, 24 Jun 2007 | Journal

The past week has been unreal. Much more than last time, have I spent time running around the country in trying to see people. I had a lot of fun at the Haagse Hogeschool, but wont bore you with the details of this. I saw quite a few people and enjoyed seeing my family and friends again, even though they were all brief visits and quick sitdowns.

The week was different than my previous visit. Perhaps because I had been in Holland only a few weeks before, it felt like a continuance more or less. One of the things I have learned on this and the previous visit is that a one week visit is too short to see friends and family the way I would prefer to. I think on a future visit, depending of course on the frequency of future visits, I will try to come for two weeks instead.

Leaving the Netherlands was easier than it was the two departures before. I guess both myself and others are getting used to it. My parents had come to the airport (my dad offered to deliver my espresso machine to the airport, thanks dad!) and Kim & Given were also there. I said goodbye to Kim and Given at the elevator, different and less emotional as a result. My mom and dad saw me off and even waited for the plane to take off (mail me the photos mom!). The weird thing is, I have no idea when exactly I will be returning. There are events which I guess might be worth returning for, but no plans and so better I not discuss it until I do.

And here I am, aboard an EVA Airways flight again and going back home, back to Bangkok. It is not a very pleasant flight, fully booked and with a lot of kids crying. I can’t really sleep anyway, so it doesnt really matter. I was able to negotiate with the Taiwanese family around me that the seat in front of me would not come back in exchange for giving up an isle seat. So I can at least use my computer. I’m halfway into the flight and flying into Aghan airspace. Looking out the window I can see the moon and on the horizon the last rays of sunlight disappearing behind us. Down below I can actually make out the roads, I guess because of the mountains everything is much closer to the plane and so easier to spot.

Down in the belly of the plane is my beloved espresso machine. I decided to take it with me and there was no extra cost or even an upgrade required. So, while it is a big thing to have with me, I’m happy I will now be able to make my own espresso. Won’t happen very often, but it never did back in Amsterdam either.

Back in Bangkok for just a day and a half and then onwards to New Delhi again for the rest of the week. Snapping back into reality and back to work again!