After 4 years, European summer

For the first time in four years, I went back to Europe in the summer. Since I arrived to Uganda in February 2011, I had only gone home for Christmas. This year I had lots of accumulated leave, no holiday plans, a free plane ticket and signs of a burnout, and I thought it would be nice to spend some time at home when days are long and temperature easy-going. And it was LOVELY.

I thought that three weeks would be long enough to even get bored. In reality, it turned out to be far too short to even remotely manage everything I'd like to and meet everyone I wanted to, let alone to be bored. But I enjoyed it so much.

I enjoyed the summer fruits. I had gone four years without eating peaches, plums, strawberries, raspberries, cherries or apricots, and I couldn't get enough of them. 

I enjoyed picking gooseberries and blackcurrant directly from the bush in my parents' house. 

After 3 years in Africa I ended up as non-vegetarian (let this serve as an offical coming out), after 16 years of happily vegetarian (yes, Africa does change you... ok, let's confess that living in Spain before, surrounded by the jamón culture, might have had some influence too), and so I also enjoyed, in a different way, the barbecue in my parents' house veranda. And the wine.

I (partly) enjoyed the long days, when it seems that there's light ALL THE TIME. Or at least that's what it seemed to me, used to stiff 12/12h day and night, and properly shook my well-trained biorhythm.

I spent time with my family. With my parents of course, but also with my cousins and aunt and grandparents. 

With my cousin Krista

I joined my aunt's (who is a teacher) schooltrip to Terchova in Slovakia, and the hike in Janosikove diery that they did. 

Not so easy on the way down

I traveled to Amsterdam to meet, after ages and a breakfast last Christmas, my friend Christina. 

Spent lovely three days. Had brunch. Rode a bicycle around Amsterdam. Pedalled a boat on Amsterdam's canals. And talked and talked.

Stayed in Prague with my friend Dasa. Met her baby girl Maya. Went to farmer market and walked around. And talked and talked.

Traveled to Trebic to meet with my friend Mirka. Saw fields of white poppies and wheat and long grass with evening dew. And talked and talked.

Got together as the three Uganda survivors :-)

Met with my friend Roman and reminiscened over the university time. 

Went to our cottage with my brother, mum and dad, and painted the balcony rails.

Went for a hike to Sivy vrch with my dad and brother.

On the top of Sivy vrch

Ate forest strawberries.

Saw a World War II Spitfire take off.

Made a long skirt. After four years, bought some summer clothes. Ate a lot of good food.

Had an amazing time. And felt very loved :-)