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And I’m off again.


I’m sat sipping my extra hot chai tea latte. After so many failed attempts to find an alternative to Starbuck for good coffee, I decided this time to not even try and went right to the Starbucks queue in the terminal. I am sat in a quite nice leathery arm chair (I didn’t realize they had), looking out over the runway. The sky is half cloudy, half sunny... beautiful in its own way, although I suspect its beauty is compromised by the very dirty windows I am looking through.

Airport time means blogging time... at least here at Schiphol.

After lots of packing and adjusting the content of my suitcases, I finally went to bed, only to wake up at 4 am thinking about how I really should use a rucksack for my hand luggage. I guess it’s the normal travel nerves... and I can sleep on the plane.

I have the butterfly sensation in my stomach; the familiar mixture of anticipation, excitement, and nerves. Hoping the journey goes well. Hoping my luggage gets there and that I am picked up at the airport (which I always am). Hoping that I can quickly get over jetlag and that I can walk in joy.

My thoughts are all over the place as I’m sat here; ranging from wondering if there was anything I forgot, to thinking about how lovely it’ll be to be back in the sunshine of Fortaleza and be reunited with good friends. Friendship is such a gift.

Friendship- even these past days I’ve been so thankful for the friendships I’ve made here in Amsterdam. “Here”, yes, I am still in Amsterdam. Not quite in Fortaleza yet, although my thoughts are there.

Friendship- just today a couple of the women I got to know in a window who are now friends texted me. Wishing me a good journey and that I come back soon. I will miss them. I feel so rich to not just have poured out love into their lives, but also to be on the receiving end of their love. I feel so rich to know that in so many places in the world I have people who I carry in my heart. I am truly blessed.

My chai is now a nice temperature and I am enjoying the slight spicy kick and that it isn’t too sweet. I will post this and then read a bit. I still have my 52 books in 2014 challenge going, although with  seven (or is it eight) books read, I am well on my way. I look forward to enjoy a pastel de nata at the airport in Lisbon in some hours, providing I have time between flights.

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