mcharlottesmith

The Dutch summer is something to get used to. But even more than the unpredictable weather, I am amazed by how people react to it.

As we stepped out of the house, we stepped into the rain. Luckily the bus stop isn’t far and we could wait in the shelter for the bus to Scheveningen. Also, we wore our rain coats, something quite essential around here.

Getting to the beach we had a long relaxing walk in the wind. It was pumping but it clearly didn’t deter anyone from going to the beach. If anything it encouraged more people to go, because there were scores of kite surfers on the water.

All the walking and the wind made us hungry, and we bravely walked past a stack of pancakes in a surf shop/restaurant to get some fish. Along with the best kibbeling I’ve ever had, I also had my first Haring, Dutch style.

I have to admit, it tastes better than it looks.

After the fishy experience we headed to the old town for a coffee and a warm apple tart. What luck we had, since it started to rain again just as we sat down. We could move to a spot under the canopy and enjoy our coffee until the shower passed.

Be kind. Stay safe.

On the last few days, every time I cycle past a flower shop I see piles of sunflowers every where and they look so cheerful and happy. Even before my holiday in Portugal, I saw it and on my way back I decided that next time I go past an open shop, I will stop and pick up a bunch.

The flower shop on my way to thd gym has some lovely bunches, but every evening when I go to train it is open and on my way back, it is already closed.

Not on Saturday morning though, so I decided today is the day.

Don’t you think it’s lovely?

Be kind. Stay safe.

One day, before the time of Corona, so long ago, I signed a membership form Class Pass. It’s a nice concept, every month I get a bunch of points and I could then use them to book classes or gym sessions with a variety of gyms and studios.

But as Corona put everything on hold, so did my membership go on pause too. During this time I was vaguely aware of the fact that it will continue one day, or perhaps I’ll cancel it, but it was in the “one day” mental box.

So… I was still slightly surprised this week when I received an email from ClassPass reminding me that the membership is being reactivated in a week and if I want to change anything I need to do so soon.

I proceeded to do so, since I now have another membership, and I don’t think there’s enough days in the week to exercise that much. I kept a “Lite” option for the odd pilates class or pool visit. I did however have a bunch of credits that will expire soon, so I used a few of them to go for a lazy swim in the afternoon. It really is such a pleasure to be able to move my body.

Be kind. Stay safe.

I woke up another morning with a sore neck muscle and I decided it’s time for a massage. So I phoned ahead and went to the massage place on the corner of the square near my house.

I won’t lie, I was suspicious at times about whether or not it’s a real massage place, but that’s exactly what I got, and it was really good too.

For the duration of my treatment, I managed to think of nothing but the moment, and I even stopped feeling the discomfort in the offending muscles that sent me there in the first place.

The only places my mind drifted off to was other massages in interesting places in the past. There was the spa near Port Alfred, or in a Game Reserve near Bela Bela. Also the really good lady in Lima, or the great massage in Machu Picchu Town, and one in Ho Chi Minh city.

What a lovely bunch of great memories.

Be kind. Stay safe.

Some days there isn’t much to write about and today is one of those days.

Even so, it is worthwhile to me thankful for everything that I have. Thankful that I have a job and a house. Thankful that my family is safe and healthy. Thankful that I have met a lovely guy who makes me smile.

Be kind. Stay safe

The thing about working from home is that morning turns into afternoon turns into evening without the punctuation that comes from a commute to and from work. It does have the benefits of great coffee and a full kitchen readily available for workday meals, but the down side is that I reach the end of the day realising that I didn’t move much at all.

With this in mind, I dragged myself out for a lovely evening walk to enjoy the gorgeous weather (still warm, but not heatwave warm).

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The park did not disappoint and I even managed to stop and smell the roses.

Be kind. Stay safe.

After such an active holiday, I could feel some muscles that haven’t worked as much in a long time.

Thankfully I have a little bean bag that warms up in the microwave and sits comfortably on my shoulders to warm up the muscles and give a bit of relief. Also, I was lucky that there was a rain shower in the afternoon that cooled things down a bit,otherwise it would have been sweltering with the bean bag added.

Speaking of muscles, today I started a new training program. I did a trial week with a gym a couple of weeks back, but I decided to join after my holiday, and today was day one.

Just as I was ready to leave, another shower of rain came down, with a vengeance. I know if I hadn’t booked the class I would have convinced myself to stay at home, but instead I went out, got soaked, and made it to the gym on time.

No doubt I’ll feel some delayed omset muscle soreness in the coming days, but at least its a good pain, as it reminds me that I have done something good for my body. It also reminds me that I have a body that can do these things, and for that I’m truly thankful.

Be kind. Stay safe.

All good things must come to an end, including epic holidays.

So after a drive back to Faro and a flight back to Amsterdam, I took a train back home to get ready to start the new week.

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Like trains, planes and automobiles, but in reverse.

Be kind. Stay safe.

We surfed. We rested. We surfed some more. I think every body part is either stiff or sore. I’m tired and I’m happy.

The wonderful peeps from Aldos Surf School suggested that I use a different board, based on the way I was surfing yesterday, and boy, it was amazing!

I was joined on this trip by a long time friend from childhood, and as she rightfully said, the more you surf the more you want to surf.

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I am so happy I finally made it to Arrifana Surf Lodge. It really is a home away from home and I’ll be back as soon as I can.

What an amazing experience!

Be kind. Stay safe.

The purpose of this trip was to surf in Portugal. So when we arrived at the beach, it looked like a beautiful day, but with no waves…

Luckily the area has a lot of beautiful coves and beaches and we could find a beach with some lovely waves to spend the day.

We were in the water for two sessions of over an hour and caught a number of waves!

After a long day of fun, is there a better way to relax?

Be kind. Stay safe.