mcharlottesmith

Today I will leave you with a little video that made me smile.

Here it is.

Be kind. Stay safe.

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.

I decided to start the day with a morning walk to get the best use of the daylight.

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Perhaps I should do it more often, it’s quite nice to get out before the day gets away from me.

Be kind. Stay safe

Today I joined a workshop about something that I’m passionate about. Yes, work is still coming out of my ears and I honestly have so much going on, but I am still glad I sacrificed a bit of my time to attend this.

It’s a privilege to work for international firm of innovative people and to hear what people are working on in different parts of the world. It’s also great to know that we are looking towards the future and trying to shape a better world. And it is really great to know that I am also a part of this.

I know I might sound like a promo for my company, and that’s not really my intention. But I am lucky to know that I can do my daily thing and it is part of something that I’m proud of.

Be kind. Stay safe.

Honestly, with the amount of work I’m dealing with at the moment, it’s a good thing I don’t have to commute as well.

And on top of all the work I’m doing a course about designing for a changed climate, and it is really good to learn what is happening in the world, and how we can respond to it.

Be kind. Stay safe.

You can take a girl out of South Africa, but you can’t take South Africa out of the girl…

Today (Sunday) we were invited for lunch at the house of a friend and work colleague, who also happens to be a fellow South African.

Aside from seeing her in person, I don’t know what was the bigger treat: having a braai in November, or getting to hang out with her dogs. I think let’s call it a tie.

It’s interesting that now in covid times we have less chance to socialise, but when we do, it’s perhaps a bit more personal, because we have to visit each other at home (with 1.5m distancing) and invite others into our homes as well.

Even while we’re working from home, we are showing a bit of our home life in the background of every video call. Personally, I always hope to see people’s dogs or babies, whichever is possible(cats and other pets are welcome too) . It always makes me smile.

Be kind. Stay safe.

Today was my father’s 70th birthday.

A couple of months ago I thought perhaps I could be there for the celebration, but then the second wave hit us in Europe and I decided to stay.

Luckily we’re in an age of technology and I could phone and video call into the party at various times throughout the day.

I also had the privilege of compiling a very special present for my dad: family and friends all shared a message to my dad, telling a story of a shared memory and personal well wishes. It was incredible to see how many lives he had touched, and what a positive and lasting impression he made on everyone he’s met so far.

I am so happy to have him in my life as advisor, role model, cheerleader and friend to this day.

Be kind. Stay safe.

When I met Marinus he told me about Friday Club (FC), his group of friends who regularly meet on a Friday after work for some beers and catching up.

In summer when we were allowed to visit bars and restaurants, I even joined once and was introduced to the crowd, and on occasion visited them or undertook adventures, like boating on the canals in summer.

These days however, we are back in a partial lockdown and there’s no chance of sitting on a terrace with your mates. So today we had a virtual Friday Club, on zoom, with the regulars dropping in.

By we, I mean Marinus met with the Friday Club, and I popped in to say hi and such. That is until he got a phone call from someone else and I just carried on. We may be apart but we’re still all together, and that is something to be happy about.

Be kind. Stay safe

I had to run an errand this afternoon in the city center and on my way back I was spoiled by some pretty scenery and afternoon light.

I thought I’d share it with you too.

Be kind. Stay safe.

Today I had a Dutch lesson again, and I think it was the highlight of my day.

We discussed the weather and Dutch food, and I was thinking once again that traditional Dutch food is more of a winter thing. Unless you want to call a cheese sandwich a traditional meal.

Now I know the traditional food gets a lot of bad press, but I kind of enjoy a hearty bowl of pea soup, and even some stamppot (mashed potato with veggies), especially on a cooler day.

One thing that doesn’t get mentioned enough though, is the wide variety of (traditional) baked goods available. It is really tasty and very unique.

Be kind. Stay safe.