Feels Like We Only Go Backwards

I wasn't planning on writing another post, but due to (apparent?) popular demand, here she is.

(Guys, are you sure about this? It's not like my life is actually interesting?)

I have had quite literally one of the best summers to date.

I don't even quite know where to begin?

I know almost everyone says that, but seriously.

Someone help.

Solar Fest. It was a vibe.

After I returned from India and Bali, of which you can find the posts here and here (respectively), I went with Julie to London to go to Ravinia's wedding.

Congrats again Ravinia! You looked regal. 

So about a day or two after getting back from London, I figured why try to get over my 6 hour jet lag and just go to the beach instead for a few days where my sleep would most definitely be interrupted.

I.

Did not take any pictures.

Oh wait! I did. But it's not my proudest moment. I was convinced this was a sharks' tooth.

Apparently.

It was not.

*Insert creative segue into the next part* 

*I'm clearly an amazing copywriter.*

Fast forward a few days and we're with the boys. And what do we do? Actually. I don't think we did anything. You guys showed me that show 'Love Island'? What even was that?

These boys are some of the best people I know. If only they'd learn to stop picking on me. And fourth-wheeling me.  

I know it comes from a place of love. 

Right? 

You guys can just pretend it does. It's fine. It's cool. 

My favorite part of being with them though is this guy. Smokey. The fluffiest polar bear dog you'll ever meet: 

Will you just look at his face.

To be honest, he's the only reason I put up with the 'abuse.'

The next day, the girls, Joris and I head to the beach (surprise!) and go paddle boarding. I'd just like to point out that Karyna and I pretty much owned. 

Did we fall in?

Nope.

Did we coordinate like pro's?

Yup.

Did we try to stand?

Eh. 

No... not really no.

But hey, we did not fall in. So you know. Go us. We owned. Obviously. 

Clearly naturals.  

The next evening I was supposed to go back home. But, who was I to think that the Belgian train system would function like it normally should. Crazy thought. Trains running when they're supposed to. 

As all my trains home were cancelled due to ....? we went to the beach! At night! Which I recently learned is actually illegal. 

It's fine.

It's cool.

The sunset was pretty. 

This person right here. Riana. I'm going to miss you. Just move with me. It'll be fine.

I also volunteered at a farm for a day, doing farm work, like picking up... donkey and bull... stuff. The bull seemed to take a liking to me. 

Fails, the bull (yes that's his name), did NOT leave me alone. He followed me, bumped into me, licked me, and do you know how heavy bulls are? This thing was taller than me and I do NOT have the muscle power to push away a bull. 

A. Bull.

At one point Ryan had to get the wheelbarrow and leave me alone in the bull and donkey pen. I was only more than slightly terrified. I kind of just ran around the pen hoping to avoid Fails, threatening to use the rake as some form of defense only Fails knew that I would not be able to push him back so it was like that scene in that show where the people are running comically fast and that music plays in the background. I can't think of it. But you know what I'm talking about? Like the people are chasing each other. 

Benihana? Or is that that restaurant? 

You know the one. It's fine. 

This post should actually be called: Summer 2018 or: How I Stopped Worrying and Was Attacked By a Bull. 

Oh. And don't even get me started on the emu.

Anywho! Because I could not get enough of gigantic animals and creepy pre-historic looking birds,  Jamie, Charlie and I went to the zoo! 

Because three adults of 24+ going to the zoo is a completely normal thing to do on a Thursday. 

It was the best. Because. 

Elephants. 

Look at how pretty she is! I want one. I'm going to have several at my wedding if I ever get married. Or not even marriage, think I'll just throw myself a party. 

All in all the day was great. 

Except when I don't get food in me. 

That's when my true colors begin to show. As Charlie and Jamie found out. 

Hangry doesn't really begin to cover it. 

Look. I'm sorry I snapped but if you don't feed me, that's whats going to happen. And I'm sorry I stormed off with my burger and went to sit by myself. 

Food just trumps common decency #sorrynotsorry. 

But to be honest, most people would be pissed too if you walked around for an hour and a half because some people couldn't make up their minds. 

Rant over. 

I love you guys really. 

Here's another elephant. 

A few days later, one Saturday night, at 8pm, when I was thinking I'd have a very relaxed following Sunday evening, I get a text from Charlie. 

He has backstage passes to a festival (Solar Fest) about an hours drive away. 

And. To be honest. 

I could not be bothered. 

Seriously. An hours drive.

On a Sunday.

Sunday is Netflix and eat day. 

Turns out.

It was one of my favorite Sundays to date.

And I'm so happy I went. 

We get to the venue and it had views. 

The passes included hanging out with this incredible band with some of the nicest people I've met. 

Lucky Chops.

You guys were.

I have no words for you.

This is a bad picture. 

But I mean.

Just look them up.

They were SO good. 

If I were to write anything about you guys it wouldn't do it justice so I'm going to save face and just tell people to look you guys up. 

It was an amazing day. 

If you guys ever find yourselves in India or in Belgium, please let me know. I feel like I owe you for being so cool to Charlie and me. 

Also. I'll be forever grateful for teaching me the 'flossy' dance. My uncoordinated self thanks you. 

(Although this was kind of ruined for me when my brother proved to me a few days later that it could be learned in 5 seconds and that I am in fact just horrendous at dancing.) 

The next day was a bit of a funny one. 

Well.

Not so much funny as the most spontaneous thing I've done this summer. 

Alright fine. It was downright 'crazy.' 

Or... was it fate? 

The band was headed to Amersfoort. And someone may have suggested that I head down there as well.

So I mean, what was I supposed to do? Take a few trains for 3 hours to go see people I had met for less than 24 hours?

Well...

Yes. That's exactly what I did. 

The amount of convincing though to get me there. The phrase 'you're killing me, Smalls' may have popped up here and there.  

It was worth it. 

Come to India and I'll come to Philly. 

I'm happy I went.

The hat was only slightly too big for my child sized head.  

The next day I got to see my brother and future sis-in-law. They brought two packs of sour patch kids which make them the best. And then I finished the two packs in two nights and I did not feel so wonderful. 

Evidently. I have no self-control. 

San Fransisco 2019 yoooooo! I'm there. And I'll stay for 3 weeks and you won't get rid of me and I'll just live there and eat sour patch kids. And gushers and all the other candy that I've missed the last 10 years. Should I come in October as well? I feel like I should. 

Unfortunately, you guys had to leave because of 'obligations.' Who even does that. Obligations. Really. I'm clearly much more important. My niece seems to think so. She runs around the house telling me I'm her BFF. So I'm more than enough reason to stay. 

So to help me get over my horrendous sadness, we had a mini party! That was a fun night. And don't forget, you all promised to come to India for my birthday. 

Ryan and Charlie I'm genuinely insulted you guys didn't know (and probably have forgotten by now) when my birthday is. Why would it be in August? Would I not have mentioned that at some point in the last few years?

I'm going to need a bigger apartment if I'm going to fit everyone I've invited for my birthday. 

Anders visited me for a few days! I haven't seen him in about 8 years. We did express tours of Antwerp, Leuven and Brussels. And. I'm exhausted. Sorry for the lack of tour guiding experience! 

And now my summer is slowly coming to an end. In exactly 10 days I'm off to India to start a new life. 

I am killing it with the cheesy cliches.  

Some have argued that I'm just a cheeseball in general. 

I'm leaving Belgium. I'm leaving a place that has served as my base for the last six years. And, to be completely honest, it's terrifying. This small country tested my limits most of the time, but it was easy here. I'm leaving the safety and comfort of this small country for a big chaotic, intriguing country like India. It's the biggest move I've ever made on my own. 

Don't get me wrong. I'm excited, but I'm scared. And. I don't scare easily. Insidious is in my top five. I'm scared to the point that I've started having nightmares about how to buy chicken from the market. I'm fairly certain I'll be protein deficient by the first few months.  

(Seriously though, where do I buy chicken? Online they only sell frozen chicken nuggets).

I'm over-exaggerating. I know. It'll all work out in the end. 

But still.

And to add to it, this summer I've met people who I'd rather not have said 'bye' to quite as quickly as I've had to. 

And. I've spent time with people without who I don't know what I'm going to do if I don't see them a few times a week. 

Charlie and Riana. I don't know what I'm going to do without you guys being literally only a phone call away. Since I got back from my Delhi exchange, you guys have been there nonstop. Even when I was a massive pain, even when I made mistakes, even when I was frustrating to no end. 

And. I know I was all of those things. 

If I had a dollar for every time Charlie called me a 'donut' for doing something dumb, I'd probably be able to buy three and a half of those fancy donuts that cost about 10 euro. Who else will I do Carpool Karaoke with?! 

Riana I don't even know. I'm kind of half-expecting you to be in my suitcase when I arrive. We've been through so much together the last few years. I'm sorry I'm leaving, but you're going to do great things. You are. I know it. I'm not gone for forever. And if I am, I'll just come get you. 

Sofie. We live about 20 min walking distance from each other and although we didn't really get to see each other that much, you have no idea how important you are to me. Don't worry so much. Everything is going to work out. It always has and always will. You deserve it. Also. Please send more pictures of your cat. 

There are many more people I should be mentioning; Ryan, Jamie, Karyna, Mariya, Loïs... But I can hardly see through my eyes at the moment. 

No. I haven't been tearing up. You have. 

I think this is a good moment to round off. Coincidentally, Tame Impala's 'Feels Like We Only Go Backwards' has started playing right as I said that (title reference woop). 

Fate? 

I think so. 

Bye Belgium. 

Stuck in the Middle With You

Guys! I was in Bali!

And I have no words!

Well no that’s not true. Would make me a horrendous copywriter if that were to be true.

Where do I even begin to cover the last two weeks.

So most of you know me as this rigid planner who needs to stick to an itinerary or else all hell breaks loose?

Well.

Damn.

Bali you really made me rethink my life structure.*

I’ve never made as many impromptu decisions as I have the last two weeks and I have all my travel buddies to thank for that. First of all there’s my best bud Emilio. Thanks for coming with me. Please don’t do something stupid in Australia and get bit by a croc. You know you’re capable of having that happen.

Next Celina. Celinaaaa what did you do to me! First you convince me to cancel my booking in Ubud and stay longer in Canggu and then you cancel your flights to Kuala Lumpur and go with me to Gili T and Lombok. At the point of cancellation we’d known each other for what, like 5 days?

No worries. Spontaneity is my middle name.

Not.

It’s actually Maria.

Jess. You have no doubt the most (for lack of a better word) interesting story. So you go to the airport after a genius night out with the crew only to not board your flight and come with us to Canggu for a night to then rebook your flight for the next day. Brilliant.

Jay. What else would you have done in Kuta for a whole day. Aren’t you glad you came to Canggu with us for a total of 5 hours? Do you still need a swim? Any news from Jonni?

Angus and James, you guys are actual lads (yeah... I've been hanging around English people too much). I can't believe you guys did the North India tour on Enfields. And we were in Srinagar at the same time you and you guys didn't say hi? Just rude. I mean. Fine. We didn't actually know each other back then but still. Come visit me and I'll find you both Indian princesses. James, what was that  book called again?

Hannah. You must have been so happy to come with us to Ubud because you had the wonderful experience of having your water bottle stolen by a monkey. But hey. You gave them water so you know, you kind of helped them out.

Right so there’s that!

When I first arrived in Kuta (the one place everyone told me not to go to) it was this weird mix of Delhi and some other totally new place that I couldn’t quite figure out. Like it was familiar, but also not?

Does that make sense?

I'm jetlagged so it's fine if it doesn't.

Essentially that first night I did nothing but eat.

And.

Eat.

Happy days.

This was my day two. My happy place.

See? Happy face.

And. This was my day three. Another beach. My other happy place.

(Starting to get the picture?)

Uluwatu’s beaches are quite possibly some of the most “drop jaw to ground”- esque beaches.

I mean.

Look:

Granted you couldn’t exactly swim cause you know tide and the water being too low and all that. And starfish. And. Some other unknown things moving around in the water.

Minor details.

It’s fine.

Night three was where it was at. Well not quite. But Belgium did play England and we won so you know. It was lit. Hostel life - yo.

That was also the night Emilio and I met Angus, James and Celina.

This sounds like an intro to a bad joke: what do you get when you bring together two Belgians, two English and a German?

(Someone come up with a punchline please).

So you see. Football just brings people together. And anyone who says otherwise is just.

Wrong.

Kuta beach

Day four was.. not important. (Fine. I slept until midday and went to the beach for two hours and then wanted to nap again). What was important, however, was night four. We went to Skygarden and had an all you can eat barbecue buffet and all you can drink. Needless to say it was a bit... dangerous. We danced the night away.

Okay well others danced.

I can’t dance.

I swayed awkwardly.

Celina and I tried to get people to do the whole double fist-bumping-in-the-air-thing. And then people started disappearing? And then we walked home?

Brilliant night.

Apparently the crew has decided that I'm going to have an all out five day Indian wedding. Ya'll more than welcome! Celina you better watch out with what you say in your speech.

The next day we left for Canggu.

Dog on a bike. Cause you know.

We were totally safe and fit 4 people in the back row of a car which definitely was big enough. So comfortable. Definitely doing that again. Especially as I was sitting with the door handle jammed in my hip.

"Guys, I swear this is the last time I need to move"

SO GREAT.

When we got to Canggu we did beach. And eat. And nap.

Splashy splashy?

Yo guys. The sand in Canggu is black?! And magnetic? And they had this really cool puppy dog which we unofficially adopted.

We went to a bar.

In a fridge.

A fridge.

Felt like I was in Narnia.

Unfortunately the next night some of the crew had to leave back to real life. Emilio, Jay, Jess we seriously missed you guys! It was also at this point, whilst in the fridge bar that I decided to cancel my bookings and stay in Canggu.

Because that was an adult, mature decision.

Celina and I had Old Man's to keep us company till we ran into James and Angus who had an epic ping pong table match of which I don't seem to remember much.

This was actually the best picture of the night.

So. The next couple of days sounded like a broken record you wouldn't want to fix: eat, beach, eat, Fridge bar, Pretty Poison, Old Man's. Unfortunately our party of four of the night before became a part of two. Not cool guys!

Our homestay in Canggu was so adorable and rustic to the point that we were woken up at 5am by the lovely sound of a rooster.

So I asked the lady of the home why the rooster. And she kept saying "it's for pighting!"

Coolcoolcool.

One day we went to Ubud and saw this:

Crew.

Don'tfalldon'tfalldon'tfall.

We felt it was time to get in some culture (and apparently a work-out - no squats needed after that).

And hot damn.

It was worth the trip.

Ubud I'm coming back for you and you might not be able to get rid of me. Don't get me wrong, I am not into the whole "Eat, Pray, Love" thing.

But Ubud, you pretty.

The day after, we ventured to Gili Trawangan. And by venture, I mean it was a literal adventure. I don't think I've quite feared for my life as I did on that boat ride.

Not this boat.

So you know how I tend to get sick on any moving vehicle? Even the boats on the canals in Amsterdam? Well. Apparently my fear of toppling over 'toppled' my seasickness. (Ha my wordplay is genius.)

Another silver lining, we met Molly and Callum! You two are more than welcome to come to India whenever you want. You guys are hilarious and seriously goals.

Did you guys find the swings?!

Oh by the way, Celina at this point decided to not board her flight to Kuala Lumpur and instead stay with me for the remainder of my journey.

Okay. So if you ask her, she'll say I'm the culprit and convinced her to stay, but it was all of her own conviction.

I only played a 90% role in it.

Gili T was... I don't quite know how to describe it.

The swings in the turquoise blue water were quite literally what you picture when you think 'paradise.' (Sorry for the cliché, but the place just brings it out in me. I know.)

We spent our day doing this:

Shameless pictures present.

Oh but Gili T you are a dangerous place as well. If there's one thing I can tell you about the place, it's stay away from the local alcohol.

I don't think I've suffered that badly in a long time. My poor liver. I'm sorry for what I did to you. I promise I'll take it easier.

I did make it out to see the sunset that night though! Celina I'm sorry for my lack of energy and horrendous state that day.

Major props to the guys at Captain Jack who bent over backwards to help me out.

I love you Gili T.

The next day we went to Lombok on a rather sketchy local boat.

So.

I did not realize that to board this rather sketchy local boat we'd be required to actually walk through the water.

I also did not realize that my running shoes would not be appropriate footwear for the occasion.

...

Anywho!

Lombok was interesting. The drive was beautiful and the scenery was, for lack of a better word, untouched.

Our hostel on the other hand was a tent on stilts.

No, like actually.

We left after a night.

The next day we went down to Kuta in Lombok and had the best last day we could possibly have had.

We both sincerely hoped that the volcano would erupt again just so that we did not have to leave.


If there are a few things I learned this trip it's this:

• stop making itineraries, you'll never actually stick to them
• the cheapest option is not always the best option
• traveling with strangers for 11 days will result in you having an Indian wedding at some point in the future
• it is totally appropriate to just live in a swimsuit for two weeks straight
• go back as soon as possible

Bali.

Thank you.

I needed every experience you threw at me, the good, the bad and the ugly.

I'll be back.

*This is a rather PG version of events. I mean we didn't actually do anything PG-13 worthy, but considering the nature of past blogs, figured I should keep some details to "what happens in Bali, stays in Bali."

Big Jet Plane

In Srinagar I tried taking a selfie with an eagle.

This was the result:

The eagle was gone.

That was a crow.

.....

Where do I even begin about this last week.

Let's start with Friday.

The fam and I were off to Patna, Amnour and Bodhgaya.

Both Patna and Amnour hold a special place in my heart. Amnour especially as it's my family's ancestral village on my mothers' side. My grandmother grew up here. The first time I visited was 10 years ago when I didn't really register or comprehend how people lived there.

This time was different. I'm older and wiser (maybe not mentally).

We were going on an official visit together with my uncle, an MP for the region.

I'm sure by now you've realized that my stories around India are rather, for lack of a better word, special and this one is no different.

So let's begin!

We're at the airport and, considering we're travelling with my uncle who has yet to make an appearance, I ask my mother: "Shouldn't he be flying with us?"

Mother: "Oh, didn't I tell you? He's flying the plane."

Right.

Okay.

Coolcoolcool.

After a very pleasant and comfortable flight, we arrive in Patna and the moment we enter the airport we are bombarded with photographers.

It was a surreal experience and I'm not sure how I feel about it to be honest.

THEN.

We head to the cars and by cars I mean 12 car police escort.

Because apparently such a thing is necessary.

And yes.

It is as weird as it sounds.

In Patna, we stayed for a few hours at the house that my great-great-great-grandfather had build. We then drove the two-hour drive across the Ganges to Amnour.

Anywho! By late evening we arrive to a crowd of around 100 people at a pond.

Turns out we were there to inaugurate the lights surrounding the pond by flipping a lever.

And who had to flip the lever?

Well. You'd think important people. You know. The ones who are running the government, the ones who set-up the whole lighting system, my parents potentially, essentially anyone of importance.

Nope.

Me.

That's not a smile. That's me panicking that I don't have the muscle to lift the lever. I was reasonably terrified.

.....

The next morning, we were supposed to leave by 10:30. So we left at 11:30.

We then joined my uncle in a series of inaugurating events: water pumps, community centers, more water pumps, a jogging track.

Oh and tree planting.

I planted a mango tree!

Here's a series of me planting MY tree:

Again.

I sincerely don't think I should have done this. I'm not exactly important.

It was pretty cool though to be honest. I'm not important and all I did was plant a tree, but I do feel kind of good. And I probably have no right to say that, but it just felt good to be in the place where my family comes from and just do something.

While all of the inaugurating was going on, I was keeping back, trying to stay out of focus.

But.

That wasn't allowed apparently.

Because.

The army guys proceeded to then push all onlookers out of my way so I could move to the front.

My main man, (I think) colonel Subash-ji especially made sure I was front and center.

.....

When back at the house, I was advised a few things, as per Indian tradition:

1. I need to get married.
2. I should be in Bollywood movies (apparently you don't even need to speak proper Hindi and English).
3. Why haven't I been married yet? 
4. "The child should marry an Indian."

Before we left to drive back to Patna, we passed by mango and lychee groves.

This tree is over 200 years old:

And there was a cow and I wanted a picture of the cow.

Apparently one of the drivers had seen me try to get close to the cow and proceeded to tell my mother:

"Does she want to see the cow? I will drive and find a cow. I will bring her a cow."

He was worried I had never seen a cow before.

I was hanging back from the group, walking around the groves, when Subash-ji, knowing how much I love lychees, called me and said "look at that lychee tree! Do you want a lychee? I will get you a lychee."

I told him: "shukriya, lychee bo-hoot laal hai." (Thank you, lychee is very red).

We drove back to Patna, 12 car police escort in tow with these amazing country-side views:

This is what India is.

These views are unmatched.

I don't know when I'll ever see this place again, but I'm glad I could see it again as an "adult."

.....

The next day we headed to Bodhgaya, the place where Buddha attained enlightenment.

We had only 6 police cars.

It was a reasonably long four hour drive.

But hey.

It's fine.

It's cool.

We reached the Mahabodhi temple, which houses the Bodhi tree, the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.

What you can see from the temple is from around the 6th century CE, with some parts dating even the 2nd or 3rd century AD.

It really was quite something. I'm not religious in any way but there was a sense of calmness being there. As I've mentioned a plethora of times in previous posts, I'm trying to find my way in this world and being at Bodhgaya just kind of... calmed me.

....

The entire weekend, as packed and intense as it was, was honestly and genuinely one that won't be forgotten.

Of course I have to thank my uncle, Rajiv Pratap Rudy for having me and letting me experience everything.

To Rudy Mama: I promise I'll look into the whole Bollywood thing!

....

From Monday till Wednesday we were in Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, a state located on the border with Pakistan.

As this state borders Pakistan, you can imagine that there are some concerns to the safety of the general public and all who visit it.

It's exciting.

As we arrived at the airport, the first thing my father receives is a text with the following words**:

     "Dear sir,

      Protocol will be awaiting you with a bullet-proof car.

      Thank you."

That's only slightly disconcerting.

We later found out that this was simply in the very unlikely event that something were to happen. We would not be venturing out into the non-safety zones.

The beauty of this place is unparalleled.

I was honestly speechless.

I'm having a hard time finding the words to describe this place because each time I try to type something, anything remotely 'profound' I keep staring at the mountains, lake, birds.

I mean would you just look at this place?

On Tuesday we visited some Mughal gardens which date back to, well, the Mughal period (opened in 1619 A.D.).

The garden is actually 12 terraces each hidden behind the other.

Honestly I don't really know what else I can say about this place so I'll bombard you with pictures instead:

Can you see why I don't want to leave?

...

For years there have been political disturbances which have caused immense damage.

But Srinagar is now stabilizing on a daily basis.

It's a shame that the nature surrounding this place has become overlooked.

I don't really know how to bring across the fact that it's time that this place is brought back to the glory it once was without sounding political or preachy.

Just take my word for it.

Visit Jammu and Kashmir.

But please do keep in mind to first check what your governments' travel advice is prior to visiting.

.....

Now I'm back in Delhi.

And.

Well.

I'm going to bed.

Goodnight!

*Rereading this I realize how cheesy and 'fake-political-speechy' it sounds. Sorry#notsorry.
**Slightly modified, but you get the picture