Column-Logbook for the Algemeen Dagblad
March 03, 2011
Translation for Zeilmeisje Laura Dekker on Facebook
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Each week in her column-logbook for the Algemeen Dagblad Laura Dekker will relate her journey around the world aboard her sailboat Guppy on her attempt to become the world's youngest circumnavigator.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My visit back in the Netherlands just flew by


My visit back here in the Netherlands just flew by. I had mixed feelings coming back before I was even here. The cold, the stress, so many people wanting something from me and an overfilled schedule. But then I fell into the rythm. So I was kept busy with presentations and sailing lessons at the HISWA [HISWA Amsterdam Boat Show] and other things, not to mention meeting friends and acquaintances. I also have been to get my vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B and some others at the harbour hospital - I also bought medication for malaria. I worked hard on my presentation to sailors at the Yachtclub Ijmuiden last Wednesday evening - it was an extraordinary experience. I was not nervous about it but once I stood in front of the audience I talked too fast. I did the same while reading excerpts from my coming book. But then I relaxed and I answered enthusiastic questions about the sailing and many other related things. It was very good experience speaking for an audience of sailing enthusiasts and many friendly people came talking to me afterwards. It would seem that people are thinking much more positively about my journey now than they were before... And then it felt so very nice to be back for a while with the people I love. In the coming days I will spend my time with my mother and my sister and my father, and my grandparents who have just landed at Schiphol Airport coming in from Bonaire. I will sleep one night ‘at home’ in Den Osse and before I realize it I will be back on the plane heading for my real home for the coming year, Guppy. Nex week I will sail from Bonaire to Curaçao Island bringing a whole bunch of good memories with me. Thanks Netherlands!

Love, Laura