When your sister comes back from her world trip
(with Christmas)
I’m living on a cloud today. SHE’S BACK!!! After more than a year and two months, I flew into my sister's arms again this morning. Yes, that same sister who announced last year to go on a world trip. Starting in Australia, then on to New Zealand, Bali, the Gili Islands, Fiji, Malaysia, Singapore, god knows where else. Nope, in our family we do things right or not at all, just so you know.
So there we were, the whole family, crying at Schiphol for the second time. Man, the Christmas special of All You Need Is Love was nothing compared to this. And now, Malou, you’re back. A week earlier than planned because secretly you wanted to celebrate Christmas with us, we understand. And yes, it’s cold. And you’re also arriving in winter and it’s raining, and you’ll probably have to get used to it again. So I want to give you something. Here it comes: the do’s and don’ts for when you come back from a world trip.
DO:
– Enjoy, enjoy, ENJOY everything you’ve missed all this time. That little snort of Trudy, our sister outings, and Gary who can’t pronounce the word ‘snow’ normally. You know you missed us.
– Eating Tony’s Chocolonely like the MOTHERS (and, did you know this flavor already?).
– Asking your family to prepare a package full of liver sausage, aged cheese, silver onions, stroopwafels, licorice, and peanut butter when you come home. Oh wait, you already got that. Smart cookie.
– Rolling up like a rollmops in your bed the first night. Because. Sleeping. In. Your. Own. Bed = Divine.
– Recreating all the crazy dishes you ate during your trip in an amazing family dinner. I’m already sitting front row.
– Making a photo book with all your amazing travel pictures. As a nice memory for yourself, but also to stay in the travel vibe and not have to drag your laptop around to show others.
– Cuddling with grandma (because we have the coolest). At least half an hour a day. Mandatory.
– Realize this: everyone will be working their butts off after Christmas and you get to enjoy doing absolutely n-o-t-h-i-n-g for a while. But: do think about the next step, because soon the ‘normal’ life will start again for you too.
DON’TS:
– Coming home in winter. Bad idea. Oh wait… Then you wouldn’t have been here for Christmas. Can this still go to the do’s? Otherwise, read all the advantages of winter maar even.
– Bare legs in this weather. Not only is it freezing cold, but humanity really can’t handle your brown legs right now, I think.
– Getting grumpy because the cat is acting tough towards you. You see: you’ve been away for quite a while. Mientje will come around again. Really.
– Hanging out on the couch too much and sulking. I can imagine that after a grand trip you might feel a bit down about this. So especially break the daily routine and make use of the free time you have right now.
– Stealing all the new designer bags from your sister. I’m keeping an eye on you.
– Wanting to see all your friends on the first day back home including jetlag takes a lot of energy. Spread it out over this month, so you don’t fall into a black hole afterwards.
– Ever going on vacation with too much nonsense, because by now you know better than anyone what the real basic needs are while traveling. And teach it minimalistic packing to me right away, thank you.
Dear, brave sister, welcome back with a thousand hearts and kisses. Last tip for when you find yourself in a travel withdrawal: Be grateful. Grateful because you got the chance to follow your curious heart and discover the world, saw places you will never forget. You met people. Experienced cultures, made friends, and checked off your bucket list. From now on, you carry an experience with you for the rest of your life that people can’t take away from you. Richer than this, you will never be again. Sounds airy-fairy, but oh so true. We’re going to make it a great 2018. And if you don’t stay home for at least a year, I’ll do something to you. And otherwise, mom and I will come get you.
But first: Christmas together, WOEHOEEEEE!!
