Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log: Day 615

I didn’t think it would last this long, but here we are.

In the Netherlands we’re back in a so-called soft lockdown. Shops and restaurants close at 8pm, and we’re back to wearing masks all the time, like we’re batman or something. At least it keeps my nose warm on the cooler days.

On the news they talk about another wave, the possibility of code black and how this will affect the Healthcare system (I think in the context it means that the hospitals are at capacity, but please feel free to tell me in the comments). They talk about violent riots in Rotterdam too, booster shots and all sorts of scary things.

On the bright side of things, today I met with some friends in Scheveningen for a lunch and a walk on the promenade. It was really pleasant, although I think I need to knit one of those ear warmer things, because it’s really quite chilly these days.

Nevertheless it is good to get out, and it is good to come home to a cosy evening with Marinus.

Be kind. Stay safe

Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log: Day 443 – Dinner at an actual restaurant

After a long day at work, I talked Marinus into going out for a meal at an actual restaurant in Den Haag. He suggested a lonely Iranian restaurant, Setare, on Bierkade and I now know why. Not only was the food amazing, but it was served by the owner with pride and a happy smile.

Be kind. Stay safe.

Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log log: Juliana dorp and Den Helder (433 days)

We decided to break away for the long weekend and head up north to Julianadorp and Den Helder.

On our way we had the customary stop at KuierKos for coffee, cake and a taste of home. Filled up on biltong and other goodies, and made our way up north.

On arrival we took Rufus for a long beach walk, and we were blown away by the wind. Luckily it was a weekend affair, so we could go back the next day

No horsing around

The We even giggled at the sign and wondered if that means horses without riders are allowed or if no horsing around is allowed whatsoever.

The beaches really go on forever and on the beach the next day it was, as always, a pleasure to see Rufus playing with the other dogs and running for the pure joy.

After the long walk it was around lunch anyway, and what better way to enjoy it than with a coffee and appelgebak?

After recovering our strength, we ventured to nearby Den Helder and had a walk around the old harbour. The area feels like a working living museum where the old buildings are still in use and some beautiful ships are visible up close.

One of the old buildings is now an ice cream shop, and although Marinus ordered a coffee, he got a mini ice-cream too!

Be kind. Stay safe.

Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log: Another lockdown birthday

Last year I posted about traveling on my birthday but never shared the pics, so here’s a selection of some pictures of past birthdays:

  • cof_soft
  • btf

This year was the second Corona birthday and I was again in the Netherlands, however I still had an amazing time. The authorities are testing the opportunity of opening attractions for a limited number of persons with a negative covid tests, and as such, I managed to get tickets for a once in a lifetime experience: seeing Keukenhof with a limit to the amount of visitors. It was incredible to see the amazing gardens without busloads of tourists and just take in the beauty of it all. We could even take Rufus with us, and the weather was gorgeous for a fun day out!

  • fbt

The festivities didn’t end there, however, as the weather continued to be beautiful for an afternoon braai with some amazing people. And of course, no birthday is complete without tea and cake, like we had on Sunday with Marinus’s sweet family.

To top it all off, I was given the most amazing present by Marinus; a hand restored sewing table with a steam punk dynamo light!

Be kind. Stay safe.

Life in the times of Corona – Captain’s log: Day 366

A year in and it still hasn’t ended. We are still in various forms of lockdowns around the world.

In the Netherlands you can now barely shop by appointment, still only eat at a restaurant and we have a curfew in place. We are still working from home and wondering when vaccinations will get underway…

Life will continue, in one way or another and so will this blog, but this captain will stop counting days, as it’s just making me sad.

Be kind. Stay safe.

Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log: Day 350

I just had to celebrate my beautiful new dining room. Finally it’s all done. No more fridge in the corner, brand new floor, and a lamp that isn’t a makeshift plan (I’ve had a few, including standing lamps and a temporary fitting.)

So I made a quiche, for the first time ever, and I couldn’t be prouder!

Be kind. Stay safe.

Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log: Day 349

I believe its been a year since the first case of Corona was diagnosed in the Netherlands. I remember back then people were still attending Carnival in the South and others returned from ski trips etc. What a different time that has been!

Over here we continued with the near impossible task of DIY during lockdown. At least we can click and collect things at a hardware store, but how do you order something online, (in Dutch) when you really need to go in and tell the guy in the hardware store that you need a thingy to do so-and-so and fit in with the what-che-callit.

Thankfully I have Marinus who is a very handy guy who knows even handier guys, and between them (with some assistance and many sandwiches from me) they put down my beautiful new laminate floor and hung my stunning dining room lamp!

Be kind. Stay safe

Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log: Day 348

The ‘balmy’ weather (compared to the frost the week before) has brought the world to life around me. Rufus and I had a gorgeous morning walk taking in all that nature has to offer.

Rufus wasn’t quite sure what to make of the sheep. Perhaps he thought it’s just a very big fluffy dog.

Be kind. Stay safe.