Dear Diary
It is my first day alone in this foreign land. I have built a shelter to protect me from the rain that falls listlessly on grey stone out of grey skies. I have not yet laid contact with the natives, Dear Diary, but I sense they are near and I expect to hear from them soon. I must go now, the smell of the bacon over my fire is making my head spin.
Love, Lise
30-8-2014
Dear Diary
Today I spotted a native. He even whistled when he noticed me. I don't know whether I should feel encouraged to seek them out, or take this as a warning to keep my distance. Either way, Dear Diary, I won't be without a purpose the following days. I have discovered a magical forest where a stream murmurs through the thicket, green grass stretches under ancient trees, and where the bustle of the natives daily life is completely shut out. I must explore every corner of it.
Love, Lise
31-8-2014
Dear Diary
I haven't much to report today but the discovery of a beautiful inlet, sheltered away from the relentless winds of the sea. It is a great place to sit and read or simply lay back with my feet in the sand and my face in the sun. Ah, to be away from granite walls and the roar of traffic..
Love Lise
2-9-2014
Dear Diary
I met a native today, and a real gingerbeard at that! He was welcoming and funny and he even had an accent! This first encounter gives me hope for the future. I also learned that I consequently grossly underestimate the time it takes me to cycle to places. The rugged terrain, the small hills that seem monstrous in my Lage Landen eyes, but most of all my lack of courage when it comes to steering my bike into a six-laned street while in the chaos of motorised vehicles, zig-zagging cyclists and people crossing the street even though the pedestrian traffic light beeps loudly in protest it is hard to keep a cool head. Also, the drive on the left!
Love, Lise
3-9-2014
Dear Diary
I had a horrible day. Being alone here sucks. I have nothing to mention but the bag of cheese puffs I downed in ten minutes.
Good day
Lise
4-9-2014
Dear Diary
As you know, I've always loved libraries. I love most them for the smell of old books, the quiet, the art on the walls, rows and rows and rows of volumes just waiting to share their knowledge. The thing I like most about the library here is the elevator. The rest of it is mainly black and white and lifeless, and although the light has enough space to play in, there's no surfaces it can warm up. Nevertheless I enjoyed my visit today, because it was still quiet, and there were books.
Love, Lise
