Man, what a day! Seriously, I’m still reeling from it. So, I’m a Visiting Prof, right? Just trying to do my thing in Zuid-Scharwoude, and wow, did this place throw me some curveballs.
First off, I wake up late. Classic me. Alarm? Nah, it decided to take a day off. So, I’m scrambling, throwing on whatever I can find. I mean, who needs matching socks anyway? Not me! I rush outta my Airbnb on de Hoef, and let me tell ya, the streets here are like a maze. I’m dodging bikes like I’m in some twisted video game. Seriously, these Dutch cyclists are like ninjas.
I finally make it to the university, which is on de Zand. Beautiful campus, right? But I’m late for my lecture. I’m sweating bullets, and my mind’s racing. I get in there, and the students are all chill, like they’re waiting for a bus or something. I’m like, “Guys, this is a lecture, not a coffee break!” But they just smile. Ugh, so laid-back.
Then, I start talking about Dutch history, and boom! Someone asks about the dikes. I mean, come on! I’m trying to be serious here, and they wanna talk about dikes? But then I remember, this is Zuid-Scharwoude. Dikes are kinda a big deal. So, I roll with it. I start explaining how they protect the land, and suddenly, I’m passionate. I’m waving my arms around, and the students are actually engaged! Who knew?
After class, I decide to explore a bit. I stroll down de Witteweg, and it’s so picturesque. Like, postcard material. But then, outta nowhere, it starts pouring. I’m talking full-on monsoon. I duck into a café on de Zand, and it’s packed. I grab a coffee, and the barista is super friendly. We chat about the weather, and I’m like, “Yeah, typical Dutch, right?” She laughs, and I feel a bit better.
But then, I step outside, and my umbrella flips inside out. I’m wrestling with it like it’s a wild animal. People are staring. I’m like, “Yeah, just your average day in Zuid-Scharwoude!” Finally, I give up and just walk in the rain. Who cares? I’m soaked, but it feels kinda liberating.
Next, I head to the park on de Kade. It’s beautiful, but I’m still dripping wet. I sit on a bench, and this old guy comes up. He starts telling me about the history of Zuid-Scharwoude. I’m half-listening, half-drying off. He’s going on about the old farms and how the area used to be all fields. I’m like, “Wow, that’s cool!” But in my head, I’m thinking, “Dude, I just wanna dry off!”
Then, outta nowhere, I see a bunch of kids playing soccer. They’re having a blast, and I can’t help but smile. I mean, it’s just a game, but it’s so pure. I start thinking about how life’s too short to be serious all the time. So, I join in. Yeah, I’m that guy. I kick the ball, and it goes flying into a tree. Classic! The kids laugh, and I’m like, “Okay, maybe I’m not cut out for this.”
As the day winds down, I’m walking back to my place, and I can’t help but feel grateful. Zuid-Scharwoude is quirky, and I love it. The streets, the people, the unexpected rain—it’s all part of the charm. I mean, who knew a day could be so wild?
So, yeah, that was my day. Full of ups and downs, but mostly just a reminder to embrace the chaos. I’m definitely coming back to Zuid-Scharwoude. Just maybe with a better umbrella next time!