Checkmate.

Somehow, I've been coming across a lot of chess boards lately. First, I played in Queenstown, then discovered one in the library in Christchurch, and finally, I started a little group chess game at the airport in Christchurch, first fixing the pieces and then, after a young man has intensely contemplated the 'board', making the first move. Timo (I learn that's his name) wasn't paying attention at that moment and desperately searches for someone to play with, which is a bit funny. In the end, two more Germans, a Japanese man, and another man of unknown origin are pondering and tinkering away. That's how quickly two hours can pass at the airport.

Almost as fast as three months. I also feel checkmated. Like after a long game on the chessboard with its lengths, risks, standard moves, and above all, endless possibilities. Now, I reposition my pieces, because after a little stopover in Sydney (after all, on St. Patrick's Day weekend), I'm heading home.

It was a nice match. A good game. I think I won. Not just against Timo. Also in general. Thank you for accompanying me and helping me with a move or two. Thanks to so many people back home and to those who have come into my life during this journey. I'm crying a little because it's always a bit bittersweet when something was so beautiful, and I don't quite know how things will continue at home. Luckily, there's Rilke, whom I always ask in such situations, and who says the following about patience (which also kind of fits with chess):

It's about living everything.

If you live the questions, you live

maybe gradually,

without realizing it,

one of these days

into the answers.

I think that's a nice ending for this travel report. I'm heading home now and will continue living my questions.