After two weeks submerged in a story about the current terrible condition of bridges and quay walls in Amsterdam that I was commissioned to write for a distinguished magazine, I finally find respite and come back to firm soil. For days and nights this was all I could think, write and dream about. Such a time-consuming story that, once it was done, I felt empty.
A lot has happened in the past months but nothing as exciting as the recent reopening of terraces in Amsterdam. It finally seems that our once dynamic city is waking up again. With that comes a sort of a lost sensation of hope, freedom and joy. The Dutch weather has been cooperating to the outside experience itself, even though it feels amazing to breathe fresh air again.
Traveling by car brings a kind of freedom and practicality that other means of transportation do not offer. That’s because you or your companion can drive and, whatever the route, you are automatically allowed to stop, anytime, as often as you like, and wherever you want. Or to take a detour.
Dear diary, we are really overdue for a talk. You may think that I have forgotten about you, but I would never! You know, I have been going through a dry spell. It's pretty normal, don't you think? If it is of interest to you, I'm describing as normal what feels weird and painful to me.
Officially 38: I think I had a click last night. I’ve always been very scared of getting older (fine, I’m still just a little bit!). But after celebrating my birthday for almost 24 wonderful hours, I realized that I cannot be afraid of one of the most divine things in life: experience.