Travelling to a different continent hit me emotionally. On the one hand it was about saying goodbye to friends and family that stay behind. On the other hand it means embracing new experiences and meeting new friends. In the past week I have had several beautiful encounters with the US, with the stunning nature of New Hampshire and the coast of Maine and with kind and hospitable US citizens.
Getting to know new friends
When we first arrived at our hosts’ and at ConVal High School, we were welcomed with such kindness that I instantly felt connected to this part of the world.
Strolling through or hiking up colourful paths in New Hampshire has made me feel connected to a spirit beyond this human world, but also to all the lovely company I’ve had.
Below us beautiful New Hampshire, above us only sky
Sitting at
the coast in Maine and looking out at the ocean has made me miss my family back
home, with the strange feeling that thousands of kilometers are between my
dearest ones and myself – but at the same time feeling a strong connection and
the wish to come back with them.
Missing my family on the other side of the ocean
Friday evening I had the chance to join a dinner and to get to know my colleague’s friends
for many years. Even though I had only met them, they made me feel that I
belong. What one of them said when saying goodbye will stay in my mind for a
long time: He thanked me for bringing our students over to meet US students, he
thanked me for the opportunity that young people can get to know people from a
different part of the world and therefore understand each other more, he
thanked me for breaking down barriers and for getting connected.
On the road with our students
And this is what I will take home with me – the feeling of being connected to a different place in the world.
Julia Landa
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