The Netherlands has faced a lot of challenges in the past. This time, its challenge came from a film called Fitna The Movie. It was produced by a right-wing Dutch politician Geert Wilders who wanted to provoke an international scandal using such film. The film’s title comes from the Arabic word fitna which is used to describe “disagreement and division among people”, or a “test of faith in times of trial”. Fitna was released to the Internet on March 27, 2008.

Meet Glory a.k.a. Berend Botje! He is the official tour guide of this entire trip. Glory is a TY Beanie Baby which was given to me by Travis when I first step foot in the Land of the Free. Glory was baptized as Berend Botje the very moment I landed in Brussels. The new alias was taken from the popular Dutch Nursery Rhyme (Kinderliedje) which happen to be the very first Dutch phrase I learned.

I definitely miss the things I left behind. I miss my cat-Cougar who has been my constant companion. I will miss our place at The Reserve in Point Meadows Drive. It was my last sight of the place since Travis will be taking care of the move to Minnesota while I’m gone. When I come back from my trip, I will no longer be going back to Florida but to Minneapolis, Minnesota instead. So, I made it a point that I took mental images of the place and everything that I left behind. Driving through 9A to the airpot seemed to be short this time when normally it takes about 20 minutes.

Now I’m all packed with 1 checked in baggage and 1 carry-on backpack. I am anxious to leave. I have been feeling sick since yesterday. My anxiety was probably because I won’t be with my Hubby for a long time and I’m just not used to it. Another reason would be my experiment of having a port of entry other than the country that issued me a Visa.

Netherlands, the land below sea level, was not only the home of art, crafts and talented artists like Van Gogh but it was my home as well. Living in the Netherlands (otherwise known as Holland) for about a year has been a great experience. The place was not difficult to adapt, live and love!

The internet has evolved and we are in the era of blogging when people write their thoughts and the happenings about their lives. I must admit I have made a couple attempts at joining the flow but I seem to be washed ashore. But this time, I have to take on to the challenge Travis (my husband) has given me when he purchased this domain for me. I may not be a hell of a writer but I will write from my heart.

Could this be just another attempt? Or is this really a new beginning? Join me as I continue to live a life away from home, face challenges that come my way and accept that growing up (or should I say growing old) is not easy but is still worthwhile.

Today is my birthday and I can’t thank you enough for the messages, cards and gifts. You really made my day special. I’m not good in writing so instead of expressing my gratitude in words, I decided to put it in my own way. This theme is called the Birthday Surprise. This is my gift to all of you who made me feel special. I’m sure this theme will be of use to you when your special occasion calls for. I hope you like it!

March is a very special month for me. For one, it is the same month that I step my foot on the American soil. March 7 will mark my 1st anniversary. Though my first year has proven to be unproductive and not bountiful for me and my better half, it does not strip us from the hope that we can change and improve our state of living.