It all started on a usual end of the month Friday afternoon lunch with my friends. After a full heavy meal and cocktails the topic was “new year’s resolution”. Some wanted to get married, others have more kids, others get a new job and finally when it came to me, I was really confused but I knew I had to do something with monotonous life. So I decided to take a break from work and study. So I decided if I had to go back to school after 7 years, I need to go a bit far from Mozambique, I couldn’t go back to my student life in South Africa, hence, I decided to go to come to Europe and my theory was: I rather struggle in a white man’s country where you struggle smiling, meet new people and learn new things.

So a began to Google and look for a one year full time English Masters Degrees in Tourism, I found some in Spain but the one I was mostly interested in was in Spanish. So a friend of mine who was studying in Eramus Univeristy advised me to Google.nl so I did and found a couple of interesting Masters programmes but the most interesting one was the one here at NHTV, 6 months theory and 3 months research around the world. I mean, where else could I find this exciting experience? Be in the Netherlands, do my masters, meet new people, travel around Europe then travel to three other destinations. I didn’t think twice and began gather all my documents, started saving and started to apply. The first fascinating thing was the level of organizations and response efficiency, that’s when I reality struck me “I am going to Europe”. I began to Google Breda, all I knew about the place it was  a small town, friendly people and perfect for place for my studies no disruption from big cities shopping malls, clubs , traffic jams etc . So, there was no turning back; I am going to NHTV Breda.

The last couple of months, days passed so fast. Visa in my passport, ticket and bags in my hands! SO LONG Mozambique! After a long flight, Johannesburg – Dubai – Schiphol, I arrived safe in The Netherlands, got my train to Breda and to the Hotel where I had to sleep for two nights before I signed my house contract. First night, the sun was still out till 9pm that was exciting. The next day I went around the famous city centre. I walked around for about 2 hours, did a bit of window shopping and back to the Hotel. The following day, I went to sign my house contract, moved to my room, quiet excited, everything new. Afterwards I decided to go to the City centre to buy some things for the house and caught the wrong bus back and stopped on the wrong stop and got lost walking for two hours with heavy plastic bags. Nice experience and yet embarrassed at myself for forgetting my, address book and phone at home. What a nice welcome to Breda!

Despite missing my warm summer weather, I couldn’t have chosen anywhere else to be at this moment, I have met very incredible people; I have biked at 4am back home from the club at 2C and no way I would do that in Mozambique.