Noordwijk Beach

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HP: It all ends!

I think everybody knows Harry Potter. It doesn't mattter if you are young or old, I know Harry Potter is for everybody. I remembered when Harry Potter was introduced to me by my classmate in High School. I'm so curious why some of my classmates talking about him. It made me feel interested to ask who he was. Sarah, one of my classmates, told me to read books about him which was written by J.K. Rowling and advised me to start with the first book, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone", in order for me to understand well the story. So, I read the book and finished it just few hours. I was impressed with that book because ever since in my life, I didn't have interest in reading novels except with the book of J.K. Rowling. I read all the seven books of Harry Potter. Not only the books, I also followed from the first movie of it until the last movie, Harry Potter and Deathly Hollows Part II: It All Ends! By happy chance, Harry Potter had also a special part in my relationship with Dennis. Why? Because the last two movies of it were the first movies we watched together in  a movie house. We both liked Harry Potter. 

All About Harry Potter

According to Wikipedia, Harry Potter is a series of seven fantasy novels written by the British author J. K. Rowling. The books chronicle the adventures of the adolescent wizard Harry Potter and his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The main story arc concerns Harry's quest to overcome the evil dark wizard Lord Voldemort, whose aim is to subjugate non-magical people, conquer the wizarding world, and destroy all those who stand in his way, especially Harry Potter. The books have gained immense popularity, critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide since the 30 June 1997 release of the first novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. 

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OV-Chipkaart

When I came back here in the Netherlands, I also received my OV-chipkaart. or Openbaar Vervoer chipkaart in Dutch. The Gemeente offered discount for this card  that´s why Dennis had chance to get it for me.  According to wikipedia, the OV-chipkaart is a contactless smart card system which is in the process of being introduced on all public transport in the Netherlands, including train, metro, tram and bus. It allows the combination of card integration (the same card is used for multiple transport companies) and price differentiation (by company, time of day, day of the week, etc.), and is intended to reduce fare avoidance. It  replaces the strippenkaart, the traditional ticketing for local public transportation. . But when you travel  with this card, you need to check in  on the card readers located by the doors when you enter on the vehicle and check out  before you leave.

The OV-chipkaart is a cooperative initiative of five large public-transport operators: NS (railways), Connexxion (buses), RET (Rotterdam), GVB (Amsterdam), and HTM (The Hague). So, instead of falling in line on the busy counter just to buy a ticket for ride in a bus or train, you can save time using this card  especially when you are in hurry. 

Welcome Back in Holland

All our hardships in arranging some documents in the Netherlands Embassy, DFA, and IND had borne into a fruitful result which was to bring me back here in Holland. Finally, we were together now after few months of waiting and experiencing so much stress. It was hard to be far away from your loved one wherein you couldn't personally share your feelings to her/him. We so much missed each other and now, we could hold and fall more in love  to each other. 

I had my flight through Malaysian Airlines last 19 July wherein the airplane departed at 15.05 in Manila International Airport (NAIA Terminal 1) and arrived at 18.40 in Kuala Lumpur International Airport. I waited for almost 5 hours in Kuala Lumpur and took the KLM flight from there going to Schiphol Amsterdam Airport which took 12 hours of travel. I arrived in Schiphol at 5.55 wherein I was so glad to  see Dennis was waiting on me in arrival area.

 Dennis was so sweet! When we arrived at home, I was surprised with some decorations in the house and bouquet of rose on the table with welcome card on it.  

Aside from that, I never expect that I would receive more flowers from Dennis'dad and our friendly neighbour named Mala. It made me feel special on that day and I knew that they were so happy that me and Dennis were together again.

Having a Despedida Party

When you are going to search for the meaning of "Despedida", it means farewell or Good Bye. Traditionally in the Philippines, a Despedida party (Farewell Party) is held for someone who will be away for a long time, like those immigrants. It is also same thing for those who will resigned or retired on his/her work. This party can be planned or organized secretly by one of your family, friends or workmates. Your family and friends would wish you good luck for your new endeavour in life.

In my case, I didn't have an intention to throw a Despedida Party coz it would cost you money and time to prepare. But Dennis was always insist me to have this party so I could have time to say 'Good Bye' formally to my family and close friends before I would go to the Netherlands. It was just simple party but memorable. Our family was complete that time and most of my close friends attended on this party. I was so glad and enjoyed on that day but still, I felt little bit of loneliness every time I would think that I would be far from them. It was really hard to say Good bye to them but I should need to be strong and try to be happy in facing my new chapter of  my life. 

A surprise gift for me from BUGIRLZ.