Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log: Day 121

Some days I just want to have a cup of tea with my mom on the stoep.

I am lucky, in the Netherlands life is picking up some sort of pace again and some days it’s easy to forget what we are up against right now. People go about their business and it looks outwardly OK.

But today I turned on eye TV news and I heard about hundreds of people losing their jobs, and maybe that’s just the start.

I see news articles about other counties and also South Africa and I realise we’re not really out of the woods yet, not even close. Economies are opening up but only to prevent further economic downturn, not really because it is going any better.

So here is my wish for you all. Please take care of yourself, and your loved ones. If you are at any risk of coming into contact with others, be extra vigilant and keep a safe distance from your loved ones.

Be kind. Stay safe

Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log: Day 120

Sometimes just when we think things are getting better, we get a curve ball.

In South Africa there’s a whole lot of new restrictions, and in Europe many countries are expecting new cases because of the holiday season.

In case it gets you down, have a look at this video. If you to home the local helpline, not in SA, drop me a message and I’ll help you find it.

Be kind. Stay safe

Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log: Day 118

Today was a fun day, or as some would call it : Saturday.

I had something really special lined up and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I attended a workshop by De Steek Amsterdam to make my own swimsuit.

I learnt to sew when I was a little girl and something I have never tried before was swimwear. Well, I think it’s fair to say I’m going to do this again! I had a lot of fun, learnt a few new tricks and can’t wait to practice it a bit more.

Be kind. Stay safe

Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log: Day 117

One of the benefits of living in a world city is that sometimes extraordinary things happen. This time, it was a chance to do some fine dining in an unusual setting.

For the months of July and August, at the Westergas venue x they are hosting a different Michelin star chef every two weeks. I was lucky enough to attend with some friends today.

Needless to say, it was mind blowing, but in case you had any doubt, have a look at the pictures.

Be kind. Stay safe

Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log:Day 116

Sometimes it is good to take stock, if only to see what we have that we can work on, and more likely to see what we can be thankful for.

Today I attended a virtual awards ceremony. This means that myself and the other people from my company dialed into a Teams call whilst listening to/watching the live stream on YouTube.

Let’s take a minute to appreciate the fact that 15 years ago that statement wouldn’t make any sense and 6 months ago we would have laughed at the idea.

Anyway, the ceremony was for the MCA (Management consulting association) awards for 2020 and I attended because the Lima2019 project I was involved in was nominated for the best international project.

We won!

I am truly thankful to have been a part of that project.

Be kind. Stay safe.

Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log:Day 115

This morning when I woke up, I had a gift in my inbox : a friend from Peru sent me his playlist curated for the day he misses home (he often lives abroad). It felt like I was teleported back to an amazing country with wonderful memories and experiences.

I celebrated my “remember Peru day” by baking a llama cake!

My photo memories also showed me the before and after of one of the buildings we renovated, and it was amazing to see how much can happen in a single year. It feels like yesterday and also like a lifetime ago.

Be kind. Stay safe

Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log : Day 114

Like riding a bike…

So there’s one thing that is synonymous with Amsterdam, and that is that everyone and their dog rides a bike. OK, perhaps it is one of a few iconic things, but you catch my drift.

In the last few weeks I’ve been getting busy with some work that I haven’t done in a while and I was quite apprehensive about getting started, because I felt a bit out of touch. But as the days go by I realise that it really is like riding a bike. At first I lack confidence and I’m unsure of where I’m going with this, and then time passes and I’m doing it like I never stopped. Just like riding a bike.

Be kind. Stay safe.

Life in the time of Corona – Captain’s log:Day 113

There’s a shop near my house called the “Kookwinkel”. I noticed it on the day that I came to view the place and decided that I need to visit.

It’s the kind of place that I love visiting and looking at stuff, perhaps in the same way that kids go to the toy store.

Maybe one day I will have a kitchen that can house all the goodies I want and big enough to host all the dinners I want. Maybe then I’ll get a good shop in and get some of the amazing kitchen things I want.

But until then I’ll have to be creative about it.

I have had the idea of baking a flan the way Tannie Hannetjie makes it, but that would entail getting a flan tin. I have one in South Africa but for some reason I left it at my parents’ house. I can also buy it on Amazon, but that’s a last resort because really I want to visit the Kookwinkel.

So today in my lunch break I thought I’d stroll over and have a look just in case they have the flan tin. And perhaps see what other things they have to look at. So I take a quick stroll in the 30 minutes between meetings.

Only, as I step out of the door, it starts to drizzle.

I congratulate myself on my choice of jacket – a trusty favourite in one of my favourite colours, light weight and slightly drizzle proof, really more of a summer jacket than more.

Halfway to the store the drizzle turns up a notch but I think, soon enough I’ll be inside the store where its warm and dry and really a kitchen gadget wonderland.

As I draw near, however, a trickle of worry starts to form in that part of the mind that starts with “om-” and ends in “-inous.” the windows are dark, the door is shut… Alas! The shop is closed!

There’s a sign on the door that says due to the corona measures they have adjusted shop hours and are open every day between Tuesday and Saturday. So no shopping on a Monday then. Boohoo.

To add insult to injury, the rain has progressed to a full blown shower, with water bucketing down enthusiastically while I’m stranded in front of the closed shop.

There’s nothing for it. I had to head back. But not before I stop at the corner shop for a coffee.

Be kind. Stay safe.