All by myself?

"When I was young, I never needed anyone. And making love was just for fun. Those days are gone. Livin' alone, I think of all the friends I've known When I dial the telephone, nobody's home"

I listen to Céline's version of this song while the train departs Leeuwarden's main station. I'm sure you know the song, and of course, you are familiar with her dramatic interpretation: the orchestra's impressive music and Céline's powerful voice. She returned to the Grammys stage only a few weeks ago, making a comeback as she deals with her illness. The crowd roared and applauded her.

I am considering this moment as I took a little 'alumni break'. However, my absence didn't last years, but a few months only.

Last November, I returned from the WTM London. As usual, it was a good visit, meeting new connections and seeing dear friends. The only new thing to this trip was that I took home a souvenir called Corona. The world reeled for two years already, but I decided to follow this phenomenon very late. Thankfully, my illness was a mild one compared to the horror stories of some others.

Interestingly enough, I didn't feel the need to travel much after my recovery. First, I travelled plenty in 2023 but was in a 'take-a-break' mode for quite some time. I attended some events in the Netherlands and enjoyed several alumni video calls, but I didn't feel the need to pack my bags at all.

That is, until now. Here I am, starting up but in a modest way, as my first alumni destination is Hannover. At Hengelo, I encountered a packed train (true DB style; their earlier service was cancelled), but it was a fairly short journey.

However, seeing alumni Robert and Kira in Niedersachen's capital was genuinely nice. Kira shared her insights into the MICE industry. And Robert told me about his experiences as an entrepreneur and an IT expert. Two different careers, but both alumni are passionate about their work.

The next day, I took the train from Hannover to Hamburg. The ICE ride was short and pleasant (hold on, no delay?), and before I knew it, I entered Hamburg's Hauptbahnhof.

Returning to this city was excellent; the last student excursion before Corona was in December 2019. When saying goodbye to everyone, we wished each other a happy new year, hoping for a splendid 2020. What did we know...

Now, more than four years later, I walk through the city, visit a coffee bar from an alumnus (I will dedicate a post to this), and, of course, meet alumni and interns. Like in Hannover, different industries are represented, ranging from Aviation to the Cruise- and Business Consultancy industry.

Again, it is great to inform myself about all industries, but above all, hear their stories. Each person shares stories about interests and passions but also challenges. It is a dinner filled with meaningful conversations.

My train departs at 11:30 the next day, so I have a few hours left to enjoy a pleasant stroll. There's time for a bit of sightseeing, taking some photos and doing a bit of shopping.

Should you have missed out on the get-together, and you want to join next time? I work hard to offer a new opportunity soon! I promised the alumni that my next return to Hamburg would not take another four years.

"All by myself. Don't wanna live by myself anymore"

There are no lonely moments in either city. I think of the great meetings: dear friends were there for me, experiences and insights were shared, new connections were made, and I got to reconnect with friends.

It was a lovely 'comeback' Mission accomplished!

Dear friends, see you soon again, bis bald!