I told my family that it would probably be cancelled, after I already told them I had a flight and my sister send me a link of a news article that had just been published to register for repratiation flights organized by the Dutch government. I did not register right away because things could still change. Emirates had suspended all their flights earlier and within 24hours changed it back because so many countries had asked them to, but only to change it again 48hours later. And so I wanted to wait until it was certain. I registered the next day when it was onfirmed, agreeing to pay €900 (oef..).
And then the morning after, I received a text from them that Qatar was still flying from here to Amsterdam and so first I checked that I could still book a flight on my own after registering and agreeing to pay the fee and I could and so I tried and tried and tried for hours to get through but I kept getting an undefined error on the last step. And so I stopped trying, for a minute I gave up. In that minute, that moment, I felt like I had no more options left, I just couldn't see a way out. Unless of course I wanted to spend €1500 or more but with the Etihad flight still in my name, I just couldn't. It took me so much effort to book that Etihad flight, because it was more than my return flight for this trip, I mean heck, it was almost as much as my first car!! I also just could not risk having another, would be my 3rd, flight and days away, meaning it could get cancelled again. It almost felt like the world, that I traveled with joy and passion, turned against me. Yes, I had a moment of weakness, making it a tough day.
I had already shared with people, with family, that I was flying home friday, but then I wasn't and I tried and tried and tried and nothing. And with the news about the repratiation flights, more and more friends asked me how I was, where I was, etc. Holland was waking up and I also had to tell my mom the bad news. And not only that but that I had no answers to anything, all I could tell her was that I still had a roof over my head and that I was healthy. And all my mom wanted was to have me home, like yesterday, and so telling her was tough. I didn't want her to worry, but I could't make this story any prettier, even though I of course told her all would be fine :-).
And it was nice that so many people cared and tried to help. Even work told me they will try and help out! And hearing that from my manager at that point when I felt what I felt, it was such a relieve, not that I know for sure that they can, but it was good to give my mom some good news, that there are people out there trying to help me and easing her mind, eased my mind as well.
And so the feeling soon passed and with that, I got up the next day, full of energy, walked to Aldi (15min) and came across a few Asian supermarkets and felt like I might as well get to know the neighborhood and what's where. Aldi had a line outside so that it wouldn't have too many people inside at the same time. I was in within 10minutes though and there was still plenty of everything and I took my time, thinking of what to buy and use my money wisely (which most people know, is one of my skills haha). I did however have to buy a small box of Corona's, it's been the thing I've had almost every day in Oz, so I had to. Unfortunately it didn't fit in the 2nd bag I brought and so I had to carry it with one hand or on my arm or on my shoulder. Since it was a 15minute walk, I changed positions and sides a few times :-). It was a good work out! And so the settling in began.
I joined a Whatsapp group with people stuck in Australia (thanks to a friend), it's almost group therapy haha. Not that we all share sad stories or anything! I didn't want to join at first as I am not a big fan of groupchats but I figured, what the hell, I can always leave. And it has actually been rather nice, I get really good information on what's going on and am able to help others with information that I have. Some of it, I research, giving me something to do....you know, when I'm not busy watching shows or doing Sudoku's or taking naps ;-). Or cooking! I love that I'm able to cook here! Oh yeah, so I'm staying in a hostel but I have a private room...with two windows next to eachother, that can sort of open, a tv, a table and a chair, -a water cooker-, and a private bathroom. Oh and a double bed of course. And I thought about moving to a dorm because it's much cheaper and they spread people out as much as they can only allowing 2-3people max in a dorm. But the other day when I was sitting at my table in front of my window, doing a puzzle and drinking tea (I know, how corny!!), I realized that I can not give up this room. It's the last bit of feeling as if I am 'on holiday'. And so, I will stay in here for as long as I can...hoping it won't last for more than 2 weeks.
And yeah, so after I had 'that moment' the day before, I accepted that I might be here for a while, be it days or weeks, and that my holiday is mostly over. And so I adapted and I'm settling into new routines, I'm mostly in my room though with the occassional trip to the supermarket. I look back on an amazing trip and am so happy that I got to do and see all that I did! All that was left, is Indonesia and I know that I will still do that in the future and all is well.
So, in short;
22nd; booked flight home, had my last night and beer (Corona) with my friends.
23rd; friends left early in the morning, I stayed, having a flight booked and all....at night, I read that flight would be cancelled, idiot.
24th; confirmed by Etihad that flight indeed would be cancelled, registered for Dutch repatriation flights, asked creditcard company to get money back from the flight (still waiting if I can), looked for flights home
25th; tough day, but ended with a good night sleep
26th; accepted that I might be here for a while and adapted.
27th; Google reminded me to leave for the airport to catch my flight...that was cancelled. Keep up Google, idiot.
Cheers,
T
Ps; Last night I couldn't sleep, I took a long nap in the afternoon...I wrote this blog 'Settling in' because I thought I was going to be here for a while..I then checked tickets again but was afraid to book and doubted for hours if I should or shouldn't book for tuesday..but I decided it was to big of a risk...8am, closed my eyes, alright one last look; 1 seat available, when? TODAY!!! Doubt...can I, should I?! Book!! Book!! Boook!!! Two hours later I was on my way to the airport and checked in...I still have no idea what happened and anything can still go wrong...but I'm here, at the airport and we'll see what the next 30 hours will bring...! At least I'm not alone and for the first time, I don't mind being surrounded by other Dutchies!
Ps 2; Sunday 29th of March- I'm home (since 1130am). I unpacked, organized my stuff, went through my mail, went to Aldi, had lunch, took a shower, played records...and I'm bored already haha. Going to the office tomorrow to pick up my laptop and go back to work (from home)! Btw, thanks for the groceries mom! She came to greet me at the station, as a surprise, put the bag on the floor and moved away, social distancing haha great 5 minutes though!
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