Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log: Day 255

Today, for the first time in a long while, I made my deadline with a few hours to spare. It is an unusual feeling but a good one.

Of course I still have many things to do, because when you focus to get stuff done, it’s unavoidable that some stuff will not get your attention. But I even managed to look at some of those and still I can use this weekend for some of my own priorities.

Most notably, I need to pack for my big move that is happening frightfully soon!

But also, I managed to take a walk this evening, and I found a beautiful fold up table that was on its way to be scrapped…

I decided to celebrate the weekend with a takeaway and went to the Thai food place just down the road from me. The coconut soup was out of this world! I can’t believe I only just discovered the place.

Be kind. Stay safe

Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log: Day 254

Today was a busy work day, but also good. I managed to get some tasks done, even ahead of schedule. I managed to talk to colleagues about work things and future things and life things. I even went for a walk over my lunch break to get some milk and saw a construction guy, with the tightest jeans I’ve ever seen on a site.

I even managed to work in a conversation or 2 about baking, what with holiday season being upon us!

Be kind. Stay safe.

Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log: Day 253

I saw a TV advert that looks like it was made in South Africa. A bit of the outdoor scene looks like the spot in Culemborg in Cape Town near my first job in that city, and even the actors looked more South African than Dutch. I didn’t have the sound on, but I imagine they even spoke in one of the many South African accents.

It made me long to be home, see my country and people.

Hopefully soon.

Be kind. Stay safe.

Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log: Day 251

In todays guitar lesson I learnt to play the blues.

I remember in one of my first lessons we also dabbled in it, but I’m happy to report that since that day a lot has improved. As with many things in life, the more you know the more you realise how much you don’t know.

Yet I feel like I’ve reached some sort of musical milestone.

This would have been unimaginable without the amazing guidance and support of my teacher Jeremy Olivier, who is also an incredible artist in his own right. Go check him out on YouTube and Spotify and Facebook etc.

Be kind. Stay safe

Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log: Day 250

Part of the holiday season is gift giving and today we went shopping for Sinterklaas presents.

Different people shared their lists of wishes and armed with this information we went to see what we can find. It is so lovely to see the lovely things in the shops, and to imagine how the receiver will like it.

We got a takeaway coffee and enjoyed it on a bench,on the same square where we had our first date. It was really a lovely moment.

The weather was lovely today, for autumn. There was a slight chill in the air, but the sun was shining brightly and we could enjoy the lovely weather while cycling around town on our errands.

Dutch weather is a good way to learn to live in the moment and enjoy the sunshine while it lasts.

Be kind. Stay safe.

Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log: Day 249

I started packing and I can’t remember if I was ever this excited about moving.

Possibly 10 years ago, when I was moving into my first “own” place. Although I have to admit my parents helped a lot with the logistics at the time.

Aside from packing however, I also had to get a bit of work done, and I made my way to Marinus’s place, because we had invited a friend over for pizza a while ago.

While I came up with creative topping combinations, the guys were outside, building the fire and baking the pizza’s. Definitely something to do again!

Be kind. Stay safe

Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log: Day 247

One of the many benefits of dating Marinus is the first hand experiences in Dutch culture, for example.

Long before I learnt it in my Dutch lessons, for example, I already knew that lunch is bread with cheese (2 slices bread, one slice cheese, nothing else) and the main meal is served for dinner.

One lesson was that during this time of year Sinterklaas and his various Piet helpers are around and may or my not leave something in your shoe.

Today Marinus came over for dinner, and would you believe it? Seems like Piet visited too, because he left me a sweet present in my shoe!

Be kind. Stay safe.