We wandered into Cafe Pitcher on Saturday 27th – to see the 6 nations Rugby battle continue and to grab our table, the one where I could knit as well as watch the screen should I wish to. There were a couple of young men already at the bar. I pulled out my knitting and one of them said “I see you have your knitting”, What? and then he said “I read your blog”. What – you read my blog?
“Yes”, he said – in a perfect English accent, “that is why we are here” and the other young man spoke with a perfect Irish brogue. Okay – it turns out that they know Camiel, who originally commented on the blog. And Camiel arrived – perfect Irish brogue, what else. They were an interesting group – nattering away to the barman in perfect Dutch without the English or Irish accents. Silly me – I said “where did you learn to speak Dutch so well”? – answer of course – “here, and we are Dutch”. Wow.
I am glad it was dark, although I am no longer easily embarrassed, age helps that. These three with perfect English and Irish accents are actually Dutchmen. They have lived in Ireland or in England and are all passionate about rugby and it seems Irish rugby most of all, and just maybe, particularly passionate, when it is the Irish against the English.
During the first game there was a lot of enthusiastic calling for the Italians – and it turns out one of these young men has a sister who lives and works in Italy. I guess he might some issues when Italy played Ireland, but then again, maybe not.
It was brilliant – they sang the Irish Rugby Anthem – Ireland’s Call with such power and passion, we were all mesmerized. I wish I had recorded the singing – it really was fantastic.
Others came into the bar, and just sat silent, maybe they were nervous about being English, this being a very passionate afternoon.
It was a great being there, watching the rugby, knitting and listening. I do hope we all meet again.
Tags: 6 nations, Cafe Pitcher, celebrations, English, Haarlem, Ireland, Irish, Italian, knitting, Rugby, singing
Yeah, it was a good day alright, a grand day even having beat the English!
Not sure we’ll be in again this weekend on account of two of us being avid nonsmokers. Still, ‘t was very nice meeting you and I do hope it might happen again some day.
All the best to you,
Camiel
I just cannot keep up with all the things / situations Connie and her Dearest Beloved find themselves in. Its absolutely wonderful all these fantastic experiences and people you are meeting and conversing with. The only comment I need to make, it has nothing to do with your perceived advancing age, its all about where you are now. And its obviously a wonderful place. So please stop apologising for what you consider is “old’ you are not old at all nor are you aging, age is a state of mind and yours is obviously young. As chronologically I am many years older, and I do not consider myself old then nor must you. Continue to enjoy and share these wonderful experiences, they would be wasted on the young. The rugby season is starting here now (New Zealand) and we are all working up to the 2011 world cup. May we all continue to enjoy wherever we are. luv karen
Okay Karen – it is the problem with calling the website “old” – Best Beloveds choice, and it has created its own persona. We feel just a touch mature – especially out on the bike rides, falling over, going down all those stairs first thing in the morning & so on. You “Many many years older” is a touch exagerated, just a touch!
You and the Ngapuhi Sure know how to have a good time. I’m sure many others wouldn’t get as much out of your OE as you two do. I love it.
The only thing I can offer is our weekly trip to jack’s place, with Anne and Mike, Sue and Grant,Martin, Jan and young Jane who is taking a year out of Uni after swine flu and depression, Carli aned Richard and their 4 kids. Plent of good nibbles and drinks and laughs. Life is good! Morny.
OK I can manage to cope with “old farts” website and mature, however falling off your bike or staggering downstairs is probaly a challenge for people 20 years younger, so in my book age has nothing to do with it, and actualy I used only one “many” which I conside I am entitled to do, maybe not with “dearest beloved” however you are a diferent case. I love what you are doing and all the things and adventures you have. I would love to be having them with you, and if you really are old I have been advised you should obtain some hip protectors and wear them when bike riding, otherwise stay on the bike. Lookung forward to hearing about more of your wonderful experiences luv karen