Author Archives: mcharlottesmith

If you live in the Netherlands and you change your plans because of bad weather, you’re hardly going to have any plans. So today I zipped up my jacket and stepped into the rain to go and explore the old town of Leiden. It didn’t disappoint. What a charming city. Be kind. Stay safe

I had my first Indonesian meal, but most likely not my last. We ordered a Rijsttafel and I have to say I don’t know exactly what all the dishes were called, but the flavours were so lovely, layered and subtle. I have a feeling I’ll eat more Indonesian food again. Be kind. Stay safe.

Today I went to a site visit for the first time since February. I was so excited I nearly couldn’t sleep, like on the first day of school, a mix between nerves and excitement. I even had flashbacks to my months in Lima, Peru, because I was once again waiting outside my house for anContinue reading “Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log: Day 109”

I’m not the first person to say this, and it’s likely not even the first time I say this, but here goes : This whole lockdown life is a lot more bearable because we live in the age of digital connectivity. In the last 48 hours I’ve interacted with friends in China, India, Romania, Spain,Continue reading “Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log: Day 108”

The bike saga: part 3. I finally took my mountain bike in for the service last week and collected it today. When the guy was scrutinising it last time he told me that he would probably have to change the chain and the gear set and a few other things and I was worried itContinue reading “Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log: Day 107”

I thought I would share with you some advice that I once found useful. Also, remember to wear your mask and wash your hands. Be kind. Stay safe

Sundays are made for lounging around. I spent my day of rest doing a few things that make me happy, like paining some water colour, playing guitar and baking a box cake. I find it somewhat ironic that the mix says “cake mix” but I just had to add the sugar, butter, eggs, milk andContinue reading “Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log: Day 105”

After a couple of days of sweltering heat, I decided to go to Scheveningen on the weekend, to see the sea. In typical Dutch fashion, however, the weather changed and it cooled down a bit and there was a spot of rain! I realised if you change your plans because the weather isn’t perfect you’llContinue reading “Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log: Day 104”

Friday evening sightseeing in Amsterdam. Be kind. Stay safe.

I think it’s safe to say that the worst cold of the winter has been broken. In other words, it’s warm over here. I don’t have a thermometer, but at some point this evening I checked the hourly forecast and it said for 9pm it would be 27°C. It felt like it could be true.Continue reading “Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log: Day 102”