This week we had one of those days where we are going to look back at the photos in the future and remember it as a very special time.
Ollie graduated from Amsterdam University with his Masters in Urban Planning and we all went over for the ceremony.
Graduations in Amsterdam are a much less formal occasion than they are in the UK.
I remember at Ollie’s graduation from Kings College in London it was a huge day with hiring of gowns and everyone dressed like they were at a wedding.
Emily’s graduation day was similar. In fact, Emily was presented with her scroll by none other than Sir Paul McCartney.
A low key affair for graduation
By way of contrast, in Amsterdam there were a couple of speeches onstage and a large group photo, and then you just went to your own tutor at a table where you signed your certificate.
Did we miss all the pomp and circumstance? Actually, not at all. Those days are pretty tiring in the UK and probably a bit over the top – not to say very expensive with all the official photos and pricey gowns to hire.
I still remember clearly my own one in Glasgow. One of my favourite photos is of my dad raising a glass on the day with my mum all dressed up in a very posh silk dress and matching hat! Of course, my Mum didn’t ever need much persuading to buy a new outfit!
Ollie’s graduation memories won’t be of what we were wearing but of how lovely it was to all be together in Amsterdam for the occasion.
Revisiting the past
We spent the day looking around the city getting on and off the trams and we popped to Netherlands Opera where I worked 35 years ago. I even managed to sneak backstage and see my dressing room.
I just confidently walked through the stage door and onto the stage. I must still look a bit like an opera singer because I managed to bluff my way in there.
It was one of my first big international jobs as an opera soloist and I remember it so fondly and the hospitality of the Dutch people.
It’s quite special that my son has ended up living in the same city.
Ollie has gone one step further, though, and learned the language. It was wonderful to hear him fluently chatting away to the locals.
I only managed ‘Dank u wel’ which is, of course, thank you. And “Yvonne Burnett naar tonnell” which is Yvonne Burnett come to the stage!
A city to enjoy by cycle
Ollie and his girlfriend Alex, as most Amsterdam residents do, travel to most places by bike.
It’s one of the typical sights of Amsterdam to see dozens of bikes flying past you with their baskets at the front, carrying their computers for work or their shopping, and often with their children or a dog strapped in as well.
Emily borrowed a bike and headed off with the two of them, and Gordon and I were smiling from ear to ear as we saw our children cycling off together as they used to do years ago.
I was so grateful to have this time with everyone together as a family. The pandemic meant that we hadn’t visited him, as it was easier for him to come home, so after all this time it was even more special.
Special enough for me to agree for him to chose the restaurant! I just didn’t expect him to book a Michelin star one !
I know Halloween is coming up and at Your Life this week we are celebrating all things Spooky! However, I wasnt sure if Ollie suggesting this place was meant to be a trick or a treat!
It was a friendly vibrant place, though, and not at all stuffy.
Emily had oysters for the first time. Far too scary for me!
There were lots of little tasting dishes with flavours which were totally new to us, so the whole meal was quite an experience.
Buckets of fun for the family
To finish off we had what was a called a bucket of ice cream between us all,which came out in a paint pot with dry ice looking like a scary witches brew!
It was most definitely a Halloween treat, though, because it was delicious.
Oh, no – then the bill was going to be the trick! But I need not have worried as I was pleasantly surprised with that, considering how special this place was. And anyway, I had saved money by not having to buy a hat!
As I said, you can’t put a price on special memory days like that – but Gordon might find he is eating beans on toast for the rest of the month!
Dank u wel, Amsterdam, you were wonderful!
Have a good week everyone,
Yvie x
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