A flurry of activity

Well here we are at the beginning of March already, and it's been quite a busy time in a number of ways. The trouble is I don't quite know how and what to say about it, but let's see what comes out!

As you all know by now, I published my new book last weekend. I haven't launched it as such, so there's been no party or fireworks lighting up the Oude Haven (hmm, that was a missed opportunity) ; maybe I'll celebrate more when I've brought out the paperback which I still have to do. Having the real book in my hands is still something I cherish. Nevertheless, it's going well and so far, those who've read it have enjoyed it - or so they say.

Then last Monday, we were treated to a visit by some very special people. John and his Dee from Yorkshire popped in to say hello while visiting Rotterdam for the weekend. John is a friend of my sister and brother-in-law and has in fact known the latter since they were kids. I met John some years ago, and knew then that he had lived in Rotterdam for a while back in the seventies. He was blown away by the changes to this great city; something I can well imagine as when he was here last, there were still massive wasteland areas that had not yet been rebuilt after the bombing in 1940. Rotterdam is now famous for its fabulous modern architecture, most notable of which is the new Markthal.  We had to take them to see it, of course, so here's a photo I took from inside it with my not very smart phone. I love the view of the famous Potlood building!

And here's another I took outside. This is the library with its unusual exterior pipe design. I really like it but I know it's not everyone's cup of tea. The light on it was amazing after a day of constant rain, but the photo isn't really good (see remark re phone). Still, you get the idea.

Then on Thursday, poor Koos had to have some surgery - nothing serious, but it's kept us harbour bound for the last couple of days. The handy thing was that he had it done at the local Havenziekenhuis hospital, so as they wouldn't let him out before I had to go to work (later than anticipated), they took him back to the barge in the hospital electric taxi, an odd little contraption that looks like a fully covered golf cart. We'd decided he could wait till my daughter could fetch him, but the nurses offered him the ride, which he gratefully took.

Then yesterday, I had to have my annual training session to maintain my position as a Cambridge ESL speaking examiner. Given that I've only done one lot of examining ever (this time last year), it was very necessary, believe me. I'd forgotten a lot and as I'm actually going to be examining next week, I was very glad of the refresher. I'm not sure who's more nervous about it - the candidates or me!

So we are now on board this wet (again) Saturday morning when we would normally be at the crumbly cottage. Still, all is otherwise well, Koos is on the mend, and I'll catch up with everyone next week. Now that wasn't bad for someone who didn't know what to write, eh?