By night, I just arrived back in Utrecht after one week away, and within one week from now I'll be gone. It doesn't seem like it's so close. There are so many things happening here and this energy that everything is possible. There are enough reasons to stay. Though, I prepared this trip for a year, it's time to go, really. Loosening links rather than cutting them. Distance and time will try them hard. And when I come back, if I come back, I wish I come back, we'll see what survived ...

All the stuff I now have is what I'll need for my trip, the rest as either being given or sold, either returned to my parents' house in France. I spent a few days there with my sisters, the complete family together. Playing guitar, walking in the countryside I know by heart. When will I come back again?

           Countryside near my parents' house

Coming back to Paris, delayed by strikes, french trademark, blind syndicate defending unfair advantages, deaf government untouched in its ivory tower. In between the small people, you and I, powerless victims.  Near Paris there are Emilie and Ali to visit, relaxed time.

Then I'm in Antwerpen to meet a couchsurfer friend, Lydia from Russia. Nice to go around this belgian city with a beautiful historical center, tasting great beers, and making bartenders crazy by asking for Heineken !

          Historical center of Antwerpen, a charming place typical of Belgian cities

So back in Utrecht, grey sky, a great weather to cycle, dry and cold. Trees wearing their autumn colors. Home sweet home. Only a mat and sleeping bag for a bed. It's preparation, simply that.

In the train this words from Joseph Conrad, ending 'Youth' struck me:

"Wasn' t that the best time, that time when we were young at sea ; young and had nothing, on the sea that gives nothing, except hard knocks - and sometimes a chance to feel your strength - that only - what you all regret ? "