Well I've been back now for a little over three days and here is the proof that indeed I was there:

Pictures.

Now that I am finally back home it is hard to believe that I have been away.

The only proof is a few nice memories and a pretty bad case of jetlag that refuses to go away.

You can read all entries covering my trip to California by clicking here.

After nearly two weeks of acclimated myself to this time zone, my
biorhythm has finally adapted completely to the Californian ways of day and night.

Tomorrow it's back to Holland again, meaning another nine-hour jump,
this time in the clockwise direction.

As the flight proceeds through the night of accelerated darkness, I
will attempt to catch some shuteye in order to make my reentry a little
bit more gradual.

This is the dream I had.

While shaving in front of the mirror, I noticed a slight blemish on my left cheekbone just below the eye. Upon closer inspection, I discovered that it was a pimple ready to be popped.

After having seen a whole hour of those real tear-jerker stories on the Oprah Winfrey Show, I am starting to really miss my family. I cannot wait to get back.

Only two more days.

There has been yet another drive by shooting, this time in front of the local high school.

Some young boy was crossing the street, and then out of the blue he was attacked by three gang members who shot him down in revenge for something or other.

According to the news, the poor soul was shot multiple times: in the neck, back, lower abdomen and buttocks. Fortunately, he is now out of danger, recovering slowly and will live.

Having spent nearly three hours straight looking through all of the old photo albums with my mother, there are still alot of memories that need some sinking in. It will take me about a day or two to absorb it all again.

Back then, everything seemed like a big deal, when in fact those moments were to be enjoyed to the fullest without remorse.

This should be a good lesson for living in the now, alright?

Everyone here is tremendously disappointed whenever it appears that there is a small chance of rain. The weatherman has announced at the end of the evening news that the clouds are coming, so watch out.

Taking the nine hour time difference into account, my thirty minute run through the Monterey hills at three o'clock was the equivalent of a nice long midnight jog, if I were running at the exact same time in Gouda.

At first glance it appears that everyone here drives so relaxed and slow. At each intersection, people stop and let you go first with a polite smile and a wave of their hand.