Reflection – From the Netherlands to Bouillon

And so my journey came to an end. From the Netherlands to Bouillon: days filled with steps, sweat, and the occasional curse. My backpack often felt heavier than I had hoped, my legs protested more than once, but my heart grew lighter and fuller each day. I was on the road alone, with just my gear and my thoughts – and that meant more to me than I ever expected.

What struck me most was how unpredictable the journey was. Sometimes everything fell into place: an easy trail, a kind conversation, an unexpected treat like Limburg pie or a waffle with whipped cream. But just as often, things went differently: getting lost in the woods, a grumpy campsite owner who didn’t understand my French, a dinner that ended with nothing but fries, or the blazing heat that made every meter feel longer. Yet it was those very moments that gave the trip its color. I realized: it’s not just about the destination, but about learning to deal with whatever comes your way.

Along the way, I rediscovered the value of small things. A cup of coffee in the morning, the sound of rain on my tent while I stayed dry inside, a bench appearing just when I needed it most. And that one cold Tonisteiner when I was thirsty – nothing ever tasted better. The ordinary became extraordinary, and that gave each day a kind of richness I rarely feel at home.

The people I met along the way also stayed with me. Hikers who nodded as if to say they were tired too. The man from Limburg who shared not just his time but also his pie with me. The baker who handed me sugar bread and croissants as if I were a guest in his home. I began to realize that you never truly walk a journey like this alone – there are always people who cross your path and leave something behind.

And then there was Bouillon. The moment I saw the castle in the distance felt almost unreal. For days I had been working toward it, and suddenly it was right there. My legs were empty, but my heart was full. Pride, relief, joy – everything came at once. I thought only one thing: I did it. Not perfectly, not quickly, but step by step, in my own way.

What I take from this journey is that I am capable of more than I thought. That with patience, stubbornness, and simply pushing on, you get much further than you expect. And that adventure doesn’t have to be big or far away – it lies in daring to go, even when you don’t know what’s ahead.

Looking back now, it feels strange that it’s over. My legs are resting, my backpack is empty, but my head is buzzing with memories. One thing is certain: this has left me hungry for more. New paths, new encounters, new stories are waiting. For now, I let it go and savor the peace and pride this journey gave me. But deep down I know: the next step is already waiting.