A bit more than 6 years ago, we left France and moved to Waterloo (ON), Canada. We always knew that this wouldn't be our last move, we kept the (international) doors open. When people asked 'Do you want to move back (to the Netherlands)?', we joked that we only move forwards never backwards. It's not that we don't want to move to the Netherlands, but there are so many areas to explore! I think the first time leaving the country, which we did 9 years ago, is the biggest step and the hardest. After that we knew we could adjust to a new country, new culture, would meet new people. And although it takes time to build up a new life, we knew that we would and could do it again.
Now the time has come to move on. At the same time, we're moving 'back', just what we said we wouldn't do. Emiel heard in summer that his company needs him in Delft, the Netherlands. We talked long about it, Emiel more strongly didn't want to move to Delft than I did. I always liked Delft when we visited it. It's small enough to walk around without knowing the way, still not really getting lost because the churches help to show the way back. I like the historic buildings, canals with bridges, the squares with patios. Emiel was less convinced, which had less to do with location and more with the work that awaited him. He talked a few times with the manager about his concerns and became satisfied with what he heard. So the decision was made, we're moving (back) to the Netherlands, to Delft.
The hardest part is to say goodbye to people we've met here. Many runners, the cycling group, Emiel's colleagues, my old colleagues, neighbors... If I compare this group to the few people we got to know in France (and those were maily foreigners like us), that probably says a lot about Canadians! The house was sold quickly, which was a huge relief and now we are planning for the move, all the details that come with it.
At the same time I'm applying for jobs in the Netherlands, had a few interviews so that's encouraging. I find that the change, the outlook to something new is giving me energy. As long as the energy is not turning into stress and headaches, I'm looking forward to the move (December 1st)!
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