Just to show you what four years in (mostly) and out of Holland did to me. I went back to the Noorder Markt after I discovered that the market there last Saturday is more of a farmers market, whereas as the one today is more a flea market. I hear my name being called in this busy crowded market, it was Astrid Verhoog from “de Schinkel”. A while later when I am walking back to the Central station, right in front of the 16th century building on Singel 2A, where my mother has lived, I see Pim Schregel in a sloop showing the city to foreign guests. Pim is also a member at “de Schinkel”.
It was t-shirt weather, this afternoon. Last night we ate dinner outside in the garden for the 14th birthday of Lukas, my nephew’s son.
I went to mass at the Augustinus church. The church was twice as full as what I have become used to. This alone was a welcome surprise for the last time visit. The choir I was a member of sang the mass and I was able to say goodbye to most members. They sang the Advent mass of Michael Haydn, “O Salutaris Hostia” from Edward Elgar, “Du bist dem Ruhm und Ehre Gebueret” from Joseph Haydn and “O Strength and Stay” from Eric Thiman. I have been spoiled for life because it will be nearly impossible to find this kind of liturgical support in a worship service where I am returning to.