My first week in Ericeira

I packed my things and closed the door behind me in all haste. Because yes, cleaning out my apartment in the Netherlands took me longer than I thought. Read: cleaning out the fridge and freezer. That had to be done last minute.

I rushed to my mother's house in my car and quickly put all the plants on the windowsill. Sophie was also waiting for me there. She was so kind to take me to Zaventem in her orange Fiat. We drove away from Hulst and after an hour we parked the car at the airport. I slowly felt more tension in my body, checked in my suitcase and walked to a restaurant for a drink. There we talked a bit about the past, how things go and what I would miss in the coming two months.

Tension was building again, because it was time to go through the security gates. A slight feeling of excitement and sadness shot through my body. Another big hug and a few tears later I waved to Sophie from the gates. Now it was really starting.

While I was waiting at the gate I felt a sense of relief, that I could leave this part behind me for now. Said goodbye to everyone and focus on myself for two months and feel if I want to make this my new home base. Soon I could board and before I knew it I was in the air.

The plane landed thirty minutes earlier than planned. Always nice. The landing, however, was a bit less. Perhaps one of the worst I have ever had. The plane flew

really back and forth. Luckily we landed safely and before I knew it I was waiting for my uber that took me to Ericeira in 40 minutes.

I was well received by my new housemates and had my first meal with a sea view. The apartment is right in front of the sea. I could get used to this!

Tuesday I woke up and made myself a nice breakfast. After that I walked to my favorite coffee shop by the sea, Balagan. I started reading the book 'away with it' and felt how I slowly calmed down after a busy and hectic week in the Netherlands. For lunch I made a Quinoa salad at home and then I continued reading by the sea. In the evening I also watched the sunset at this beautiful place. My feeling was, yes I'm home!

Wednesday the same routine repeated itself and I felt myself calming down more and more every day. In the evening I went to a cafe with live music and met all sorts of cool people. I was immediately invited to a BBQ on Friday by a Brazilian family.

Thursday I saw Lara again, we met in Ericeira about two years ago. She has been living here since November and two years ago we both fantasized about what it would be like if we lived here at the same time. I really believe that the universe brought us together then.

The nice thing about Ericeira is that almost every night, in the summer period, there is live music somewhere or open mic. So on Thursday I was enjoying a glass of wine at an open mic night. This time I didn't dare to sing, but who knows next time!

Friday I spent most of it at the beach and then off to the BBQ. And somehow I always end up with people making music. I sometimes wonder if the universe puts me in these situations because I get to do more with music. If you've been following me for a while you might also know that I want to learn how to play the guitar so I can host my own Kirtan. I also "coincidentally" found a guitar teacher. So let's go! After the BBQ we went into town and there I met more nice people who live here permanently.

Saturday I walked a bit further to a beach outside the city. For the people who come from Hulst, Ericeira is just like Hulst on Saturday and Sunday. Full of day trippers. The beach here is incredibly full then and I felt like more peace, so I walked half an hour to Foz do Lizandro. Another dip in the water and then I walked back. In the evening I watched the sunset on the beach again with cocoa.

And now it's already Sunday and I've been here for a week. Time flies! The first week was really good, there are already plans to give a women's circle and cacao ceremony here, I've already met new nice people and seen old acquaintances.

My lessons this week:

• Always follow your heart!

• If you feel like you would be better off somewhere else, then you probably are.

• That there are enough people who have the same attitude towards life.

• When you're feeling down, journaling and walking always helps!