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This entry cries out for an infinite title. The abbreviate version goes like this: how to come back home after living abroad for the first time, how to survive the climatic shock, how to say goodbye sadly to the favorite summer dress, how to enjoy a bread that is more than white dough, a bread that talks to me and that keeps me company, a bread that reminds me of old days in schools where I ate this very bread in the break, how not to burst into tears because my laptop breaks down a few days before I leave, how to comfort myself that I was so lucky that it didn't happen on the road, how to finally be able to hug all the beloved family members, how to see my grandma again (!) to who I actually had said goodbye forever because she was about to perish, how to meet all my lovely friends and play Doppelkopf again, how to this and that.
And how to pack for 1 year, how to be prepared properly. I could probably invent a teaching subject called "Work & Travel in Australia", there would always be enough to teach. I don't know how many books and articles I read, how many videos I watched. But I guess I should stop at some point, I'll never be prepared enough. The main problem that is nagging me is: what will I need in this year that I can't buy in Australia for a few bucks? Expensive gear is something I obviously have to bring if already at hand, such as a camera, my laptop, my mobile. I often consider travelling without large electronic items but I came to the conclusion that I want to keep track of my travels online so that you can read my entries and see my pictures, therefore the laptop and the camera. Sleeping bag, walking shoes, anything expensive will be stuffed in my backpack. But the most valuable things to bring will be my travel chessboard, the Uno cards, the beloved Swiss knife, a necklace, the e-book reader and small items that remind me of important people and moments.
The matter of clothes is really, really bugging me. For example, I have these weird zip-trousers (you can take off the trouser legs) which are really useful but I know exactly I'm never gonna wear them because they simply are painstakingly ugly - basta! The last past months I went cold turkey on makeup and I'm fighting not to shove at least an eyeliner into my wash bag. For now I'm clean :) Well, these are the mundane problems of a girl that is trying to be free in mind and body. Actually this shouldn't bug me too much. I guess there's a big difference between me and those female Work & Travelers who bring 1. a hairdryer, 2. shampoo and conditioner and body lotion and facial cleanser and makeup and nail polish, etc, 3. high heels, 4. a dozen of dresses, 4. jewelry. and so forth. Argh, I shouldn't run them down, it's their way of travelling.
The hardest challenge will be leaving behind him.
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