Running around the clock

I let myself be totally busy again in the Netherlands, I brought some reading books and Chinese study books to Holland, but haven’t found time to even open them. During the week I work hard and in the evenings I meet friends and family. When I came in the Netherlands two weeks ago I thought a month would be a lot, but now I find it is not much at all. The Dutch weather is great except for last weekend when it rained like crazy. Last week we had the Learning Lane at the Baak – a two day Learning festival in which there were some China activities. And even more important I got my Chinese Z-visa with which I can apply for my Chinese work permit, so finally my stay in the mainland is secured – this will save a lot of time and moment of worry the coming year, so I am very happy.

Today I had a internal presentation at De Baak on the developments with the Shanghai project. My colleagues are really enthusiastic and supportive. I believe the project has finally matured enough for others to start making the connections. The time I spend at De Baak locations in the Netherlands also strengthen my understanding of this very special institute. It is a very special organisation and I get more proud of my connection to this institute. Today I presented my Shanghai brochure – it’s only a four page brochure, but the time invested to produce it was a lot. Happy to finally carry the end-result in my bag-pack. Everywhere I go these last two week, I carry a bag-pack with me. Too much stuff to carry around… One of my colleagues said it was a metaphor for the transition I am in right now. Maybe she it right!

I have a nice room in Amsterdam-East for these weeks and happy to meet friends and family. Shanghai is far away now! Not much time to miss it, but when I think about it, I miss it a little. That's what happens if you decide to live in two places in the world.