Homeward Bound

Today marks exactly one year since we packed our bags, waved goodbye to California, and embarked on our grand European adventure. 

As I type, Mike is currently somewhere over the Atlantic—or possibly Greenland—on his way back to San Francisco. Alex and I are holding down the fort until Friday, when he finishes up the school year and we make our own triumphant return.

It’s a little surreal to be heading back to the States after twelve months away. We keep wondering: will America feel different? Will our taste buds survive the shock of food with actual flavor after living in the Land of Bland for a year? Will we faint at the sight of a hill taller than a pancake? Will we get lost in a supermarket bigger than a gas station convenience store?  And, most importantly, will we remember how to use a stop sign? (Fun fact: they don’t exist here. It’s like living in a world where everyone just trusts each other. Wild.) Check back next time for updates on our reverse culture shock.

On a more serious note (but not too serious, don’t worry), I figured it was time for a little update on life abroad.

Spring here was shockingly dry. I think it rained about 20 times in the last six months, and each time lasted less than half an episode of anything on Netflix. Our neighbors claim this means fewer mosquitos, and so far, they’re right—but I’m not retiring the bug zapper just yet. I know better than to tempt fate.

Despite the lack of rain, it was mostly cloudy and “temperate”—which is code for “bring a jacket, just in case.” Early June felt like early April: overcast skies, highs in the low 50s (that’s 12-14 degrees Celsius for my fellow metric system converts). Honestly? I loved it. There’s something about dreary weather that gets my juices flowing.

But then, mid-June hit and BAM! Suddenly it was like we were in the middle of August. The sun came out, the temperature shot up to 30 degrees (aka mid-80s), and our house—built to trap heat like a sauna—became the world’s least relaxing spa. Who knew global warming would turn our cozy Dutch home into an endurance test?

On the sports front, Alex’s football team pulled off the impossible and actually won their league and are being promoted. (Ted Lasso fans, you know what that means!) We’re not sure if this is a good thing or if we’ll be back to life lessons about “it’s not whether you win or lose…” next year, but for now, we’re basking in the glory. In a bit of a plot twist, Alex is planning to play for his school’s team in the fall, so we’ll see how he does with a new coach, new teammates, etc.  (He played for a Dutch club team this spring.)

As for me, I’ve discovered that the local pastime here is “going for walks”—as in, “Let’s meet up and walk aimlessly while pretending we’re exercising.” It’s very Bay Area, and I’m here for it. Nothing like bonding over fresh air and the shared struggle of navigating via the nearest windmill.

Me and Erin on one of our walks. Yes, this is our "local windmill". It is fairly common to see buses stopped here and tourists taking selfies. Note the daffodils. Very "on brand" for the Netherlands: flowers and windmills.

So, that’s the latest from our side of the pond. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone when we’re back in California! Alex’s school starts in late August, which means we’ll be stateside until August 15. Two months in the US—bring on the burritos, Safeway runs, and, yes, stop signs. Can’t wait to catch up with you all soon!