Dec 2nd Coming Home

December 2nd Coming Home

This past weekend I went to Amsterdam and felt like coming home. Maybe because I have felt alienated in Antwerp, maybe because I saw family and friends, maybe because nobody here is in the slightest interested in meeting me. I do not take that personal, it seems to be the Belgian way. Nobody talks to you, even when you say a friendly hello or ask a question.

I don’t know if that is any better in Amsterdam, but it was like getting a warm bath of connections, since I already have those.
It made me wonder what “ home “ really means and I have to conclude, it is where the people you love, live. That realization has become very clear, and at the same time, I think I could build a life anywhere if I choose, that too has become clear.
But I do not, I will go where my friends and family are.

I found an apartment in Amsterdam – I am so relieved! - and will be living there for a while after the New Year.The family is coming from Austin around Xmas, so they can help me move. Ironically, I have accumulated some clothes, but mainly kitchen gear, spices etc

Then something strange happened. After a long weekend in Amsterdam, spiritually rejuvenated, I took the train back to Antwerp. It was a beautiful day, blue sky (yes, they do exist here too occasionally…) and the meadows were sunny and hazy, even the cows, horses and sheep looked pleased. – beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, n’est ce pas?
When I got of train, someone asked me the way to the buses, and once again I felt like coming home. I made a direct walk to the tram, saw the familiar spots and was awed by the fact that one can “own” a city this fast.
I had found that to be true this summer in Denver, where I rented an apartment for a week and felt at home real fast.
Am I the gypsy who can be at home on the road? Thinking about that one

Next I put the key in the door, and much to my surprise the cat, I call her Queenie because she acts like it, was so excited to see me, she could not stop crying and practically walked underfoot, to try and get even closer]
So far we have had a very edgy relationship (she has with everyone), she tends to lash out and growl at the slightest move she perceives as threatening.
Talking about coming home, I will actually miss her!!