Homecoming

So that's it... hard to believe, right?

I flew home with mixed feelings. I really enjoyed Southeast Asia, but it's not the culture, mentality, or climate that suits me in the long run. Towards the end, I often got sick because of the extremely cold air conditioning in the rooms. The oppressive, humid heat in the south and Bangkok also affected me greatly. I loved the mountainous regions in Asia, but I'm definitely not a beach holiday type, as it turned out.

Regarding COVID-19, I can say that people in Asia are completely calm about it. Everyone behaves as usual and no one is hysterical like in Germany. If it wasn't for people constantly contacting me, I probably wouldn't have even noticed the crisis until I reached the islands.

I once read a nice saying: The culture shock while traveling is guaranteed. Just not where you expect it. It actually comes when you return home.

There's a lot of truth in that. Especially now.

All this time, I made fun of the videos in which people fight over toilet paper as if it was the last food before a war outbreak. You know, in Asia, they don't use that. They have bidets, water guns next to the toilet, which is more hygienic, cleaner, and more environmentally friendly than paper. So, I haven't used toilet paper for almost 3 months.

I had to laugh when, out of habit, I searched in vain for that in the Munich airport toilet and then (just like in Asia) when you use paper, you should throw it in the trash bin instead of the bowl. Lea, Lea... you were really gone for a long time. So there I was, laughing at myself in the airport toilet. What's even more intense is the fact that the airport was practically empty. No people, all shops closed. I stopped for a moment and listened in astonishment to the silence. Silence at the airport?! No one would believe me.

I have to honestly say that I didn't perceive such panic and concern in all of Southeast Asia as in Germany. The virus must really scare you. Or are you just letting yourself be scared? Dear people: knowing the comparison, I want to tell you that we should definitely take the topic seriously. But please do not be afraid of it. Less than 0.5% of the population is infected, not even close. Panic doesn't help anyone. Help each other, but stay calm, otherwise you will literally make yourself sick. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones, avoid close contact, but reassure each other, talk to each other, and I promise you, everything will be fine.

Well, for my part, I can say that I have traveled quite a bit now, but I don't know a more beautiful place than my home. I got out of the car and... I could breathe! No smog, no sand, no dust... fresh, clean air. And I have to say, I love my homeland. I love the tingling sensation of cold air on my skin, I love the scent of grass and hay, I love the feeling of being able to breathe freely. I love our mixed forests with fir trees so tall that you can't see the tops anymore, and I must admit, I also love German cleanliness. The Alpine foothills are simply wonderful. Suddenly, I feel like I could uproot trees and run through the forest for kilometers.

Traveling is beautiful, but I belong in the north. Where it's cool and rugged, where snow falls temporarily, and where instead of air conditioning, we use the fireplace in the evenings.

Now I'm waiting here until the whole world calms down a bit, and then I'll go... to England ♡