પ્રકાશિત: 03.09.2016
The journey begins.
5 months in Namibia from today.
Actually, it already started yesterday when I had to say goodbye to my loved ones at the airport in Munich.
It wasn't easy for me and when you're alone waiting for boarding and your thoughts start to wander, the tears are almost inevitable. As I sit there, I ponder whether it was really the right decision, whether I can handle all of this, and whether it wouldn't be the best idea to turn around and chase after everyone who is going home now.
Of course, that's not possible and I'm actually looking forward to my adventure. But unfortunately, the feeling of traveling alone is not the most pleasant when all around you are happy families and couples on their way to a summer vacation together.
Nevertheless, at some point, you have to start functioning again.
So boarding, flight to Frankfurt, everything's okay.
In Frankfurt, the first little world trip begins. Through the airport, shuttle bus to the other terminal, check-in, visa check, weigh hand luggage (my big concern: it's too heavy. The nice man sees my excitement and the duration of my trip and just lets me go... yes.), security check, boarding, and waiting...
Now, one last phone call with Mom and my boyfriend. And the tears start flowing again because now it suddenly becomes real. It doesn't help, so wipe away the tears and get on the plane.
Once I arrive there, a seat by the aisle as requested, I sit down and take a deep breath. What follows are more tears, many of them. After I have calmed down again, I realize how hungry I am and the delicious airline tortellini without sauce come in handy.
A movie can finally distract me a little from my farewell pain, and so does the wine, a blanket, a sleeping mask, and another movie, which eventually help me fall asleep. The sleep is as good as it can be on a plane, but I can't complain.
At around 4:00 am, I am awakened from my sleep with a warm roll and black tea.
So, suddenly you're there... at passport control in Windhoek.
The nice lady from the immigration office at the airport stamps my visa in my passport and says, 'you are good to go'.
Does she mean me? It doesn't matter, there's no turning back. In the airport hall, my dear host family is waiting for me, welcoming me warmly and giving me a good feeling. Finally!
Windhoek is more beautiful and colder than I imagined. The sunrise behind me is wonderful, and slowly I'm starting to find some peace in my system.
After breakfast at Café Schneider, I head to my new home. The house and the area remind me of the Spanish Finca where I was on vacation just two weeks ago. Slowly, I understand everything, and I feel good. After a cup of tea, we all take a two-hour nap.
In the supermarket, I make the joyful discovery that they have everything my heart desires. They even have Digestives, my number one favorite cookies from my time in England. Everything is going better than expected.
We spend the rest of the evening talking, drinking tea, watching German news, having dinner, and Skyping with my mom.
Of course, I immediately feel 'homesick' again. Mom is something special after all.
Now, I lie down in bed with my newly acquired 'Princess' hot water bottle (yes, you can actually buy that here) and try to sleep after extensive chatting with my boyfriend.
See you soon :*