Maikel de BakkerAfter two weeks away, the journey back home felt almost longer than the trip itself. Unpacking, laundry, sorting things out… you probably know that feeling when vacation ends and “real life” piles up faster than your suitcase ever did. By the end of the day, I was ready for another vacation (not seriously, but you get me 😅).<br>
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And then, in the middle of the post-trip chaos, a small reminder of home arrived. A lovely little robin hopped into the garden as if to say, “Welcome back, where have you been?” For me, it felt like a quiet celebration: back to familiar surroundings, back to feeding the birds, back to the rhythms of daily life.<br>
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Robins have a special place in many cultures. In folklore, they’re often seen as messengers of hope, new beginnings, and sometimes even as guardians watching over us. Scientifically, they’re just as fascinating: their red breast is a territorial signal, and they’re among the few birds that will sing all year round — even through winter, when most others fall silent. That’s perhaps why they’ve long been seen as little bringers of cheer.<br>
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This robin, perched patiently, reminded me that home has its own kind of magic — sometimes quieter than a new destination, but just as worth noticing.<br>
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Canon 5D Mark IV + Sigma 100–400mm.<br>
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