Linda Kruithof
Bruges, June 2008
What a wonderful city. Of all places, it resembles Delft the most. Beautiful historical buildings with original façades, narrow streets, the delicious aromas coming from small restaurants tempting you inside and horse-drawn carriages and handmade lace everywhere.
This is yet another example of what enjoying life is all about. Last week, I was busy recruiting a new communications specialist, trying to come up with a solution for a complicated terms and conditions of employment problem and then finally an initial design for the terms and conditions of employment guide. I derive a great deal of satisfaction from my work, which enables me to enjoy my free time during weekends and holidays, for example, in Bruges. This afternoon, we are going to look at shoes in one of the high-quality shops, and lobster is on this evening's menu.
Bonaire, October 2008
It's 34°C, there's a constant breeze, I look out across the sea and there's fresh bread on the table. It's truly wonderful here! The good thing about a return visit is that you no longer feel the pressure see all the sites. In addition to its new branch in Amsterdam, Bijl should also consider opening a branch on the Leeward Islands! Speaking of which... I just received a text message that our office is going to move to an old building in the centre of Rotterdam. Fantastic! That will be a busy time, so we should make the most of it while we're here. Today, in any event, two new dives have been scheduled. Just like every diving site in the world, all sites have a name on Bonaire too. Today, we are going for Angel City and Alice in Wonderland. And we will of course have lunch at Sorobon on the beach of Lac Bay.
Rotterdam, January 2009
Early risers are lucky, as they can take some amazing photos of this fantastic city. My boyfriend, who is a photographer, takes photos of everything.
This weekend, we will hang a few of his beautiful photographs in our Rotterdam apartment, which is never finished. A new colour on the wall, renovation of the kitchen, or readying the balcony for summer: there is always something to be done.
Since the start of this month, Bijl has in its new premises on the corner of Witte de Withstraat and Schiedamse Vest. It's a beautiful, historical building from the 1920s, with amazing high ceilings and windows and charming corners and turrets. The location is fantastic. For lunch, we shuffle along to Joan's new kitchen on the third floor. And soon, in the summer, we will go to an outdoor café for a drink. Today, after work, a group of Bijl employees will go out for a bite to eat and then go to the cinema. It's a wonderful tradition started by Bijl's film connoisseur, Marieke.
