Cheese, bikes and windmills

It was only when I said my final goodbyes to my friends and family that I realised the enormity of my next move. As I made those final steps through the customs gates, sobbing and feeling sorry for myself, I realised it was that exact moment that would likely change my life forever. I was sixteen leaving a beautiful Australian summer in the ‘worlds most liveable city’ to depart to an icy, brutally small cold town--alone.
My arrival in Schipol was surreal. Snow was falling from the dark sky, completely different from the boom and bustle of Melbourne’s city nightlife. As my new mum handed me a far too fashionable coat for my liking and muttered something that sounded like Arabic rather than the language I’d theoretically studied I was in complete shock. Why the hell am I here?
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The new experiences I’ve had the opportunity to partake in however have been amazing. Ice-skating, weekend trips to Paris, my life has completely changed. Even birthday parties are unfamiliar, with their tricky arranged seats in a spherical shape and their clockwise rotation of hors d’oeurve. While all these things are just so unfamiliar and I’m trying to place a positive spin on the difference, it is hard not to ask myself 'how did I end up here'?

My whole life I’ve been considered the 'Saturday night girl'. I love socialising and enjoy a night out. Don’t underestimate Melbourne, Dutchies brew beer, bicycle, bake bread and basically bore me. They are however, mind-blowingly good at excluding people.
However as hypocritical as it may read, all I want is acceptance. The Dutch 'meijden' with their sun kissed hair, bronzed bodies and elegant style appear to more closely resemble aliens than any Australian.
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The friendships that I’ve made over the past six months are indescribable. Suddenly, Winterswijk is the norm and I’m finding it difficult to describe my former life in Melbourne. I’ve forgotten about the importance of independence and strangely enjoy relying on and sharing my life with my friends. Last week I attended my father’s 50th verjaardag. As I served beer to my Oma and passed cheese platters around the table, I noticed a huge change in myself. Every word, smile and gesture seemed unfamiliar. My world is suddenly upside down, inspired by the culture that has gripped me. The amazing culture and opportunities I’ve been able to embrace this year have taken over and my life perception will never be the same again. I can’t help but thinking ‘I’m so glad I ended up here’.