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  • Het online visitekaartje: de kern van je zaak

    [fusion_builder_container background_color=”” background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding_top=”20″ padding_bottom=”20″ padding_left=”” padding_right=”” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=”” type=”flex” border_sizes_top=”0px” border_sizes_bottom=”0px” border_sizes_left=”0px” border_sizes_right=”0px”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ last=”true” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=”” border_sizes_top=”0px” border_sizes_bottom=”0px” border_sizes_left=”0px” border_sizes_right=”0px” first=”true” min_height=””][fusion_title size=”2″ content_align=”left” style_type=”none” sep_color=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” class=”” id=””]Krachtig in z’n eenvoud[/fusion_title][fusion_text]Kan het nóg simpeler? Ja! Dus dan doen we dat :).

    De kracht van het online visitekaartje zit ‘m in de eenvoud. Het is opgebouwd volgens een aantal basisregels voor schoonheid, gebruiksvriendelijkheid en conversie. Dit zijn de elementen:

    1. Achtergrondafbeelding (sfeer)
    2. Logo of foto (herkenbaarheid)
    3. Titel (naam)
    4. Ondertitel (essentie)
    5. Links naar social media (waar kunnen we verbinden?)
    6. Tekst (maak me enthousiast!)
    7. Actieknop (help me de volgende stap te zetten)
    8. Kleine lettertjes (informeer, bemoedig, stel gerust)

    Alle bovenstaande elementen kun je zelf invulling geven. De opbouw ligt vast, de invulling is aan jou!  Wie creatief is en pakkende keuzes maakt, kan met het online visitekaartje een knaller van een landing page maken die niet onderdoet voor een ‘echte’ website.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

  • Zo kies je het perfecte wachtwoord (veilig, makkelijk, vrolijk!)

    Makkelijk te onthouden (voor jou), moeilijk te raden (voor hackbots), dat is het perfecte wachtwoord.

    De tekenaar van XKCD maakte er een strip over met deze ironische boodschap: na jarenlange training maken mensen nu allemaal wachtwoorden die hunzelf in verwarring brengen en die voor computers een eitje zijn om te raden.

    Zijn oplossing: maak een wachtwoord van meerdere doodnormale (dus juist NIET zo speciale) woorden dat toch supermakkelijk is om te onthouden… door de kracht van visualisatie! Gebruik het unieke vermogen van mensen om te associëren en ‘pak’ de computers (lees: hackers) op hun rekentijd.

    Kijk maar naar de strip hierboven: eenmaal het plaatje met het paard voor je gezien, vergeet je het nooit meer!

    (Wil je wat meer uitleg/achtergrond, lees dan dit forumtopic op Reddit.)

    Hier komt mijn kers op de taart: maak het plaatje aangenaam, grappig of inspirerend. Laat het verwijzen naar je fijnste herinnering, je wensdroom, een hilarisch moment of je diepste drive.

    Als je elke ochtend bij het opstarten van je werkdag je wachtwoord invult en een beeld erbij hebt, kun je er maar beter van genieten!

  • Grilled Zucchini with Rosemary and Garlic

    Grilled Zucchini with Rosemary and Garlic

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_text]Hi loves!

    Being on the road, I like to work with whatever little means I have to still cook up something great. One of the secrets: OLIVE OIL. Olive oil is magic. It will turn any vegetable, pasta or piece of bread into a delicious bite. Especially if you add freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt.

    Another secret: fresh herbs. Especially rosemary. Rosemary always makes everyone go ‘Ooooooh wow… yummy!’ so I got some on the market before we left to enjoy even while being on the road :). It gives off a lovely scent in the van as well!

    In a separate container, I keep some olive oil with coarsely cut rosemary and garlic. The oil becomes strongly aromatic after you let it sit for a day or two. This oil is what makes the grilled zucchini a winner.

    Take your zucchini and cut it in pieces. Doesn’t matter so much how, just do whatever fits your pan and mouth ;). I also like to slice the whole zucchini in half lengthwise, then carve in a diamond pattern.

    Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 20 minutes or so. This will bring out the access water. Then carefully squeeze and discard the fluid. Now drizzle (lots of) olive oil on the zucchini, a few tablespoons per half.

    You can now either fry them (pan) or wrap them in aluminum foil and roast (grill). 20 minutes should do it, but just check. I like them ‘done’ all the way through, a bit soggy almost. Combine with nuts, lettuce or crispy bread for crunch.

    Enjoy!

    Photocredit: Jeremy Keith – Flickr: Grilled zucchini, CC BY 2.0.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

  • Wild camping in Serra da Estrela, Portugal 2016 (Summer in a VW campervan VI)

    Wild camping in Serra da Estrela, Portugal 2016 (Summer in a VW campervan VI)

    After the amazing Boom Festival 2016, it was time again for silence. Whoever thought silence and nature are boring, think again.

    Huge rocks, the ice cold air, the vast darkness of the night, the thin morning clouds and a few hours later the burning hot sun: they all speak their own language and to me it seems if you listen well, they reveal cosmic secrets.

    We parked the van at a viewpoint up near the highest point of Portugal, took as many blankets and sweaters as we could carry and headed out into the rocky wilderness of Serra da Estrela (the Star Mountains), a nature reserve with absolutely stunning views.

    We prepared food, played music, slept under the starry sky and woke up with sore backs but deeply impressed by the vastness of nature around us.

    This is Life.

  • Boom Festival 2016 (Summer in a VW campervan V)

    Boom Festival 2016 (Summer in a VW campervan V)

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_text]After Santiago de Compostela, we headed further down south to Portugal. The center of our journey was the amazingly beautiful Boom Festival, every second year in the month of August near Lisbon.

    We spent over a week on the Boomland, and met with so many old and new friends. Marco, Anna, Alexander (who made the lead photo of this article), Michael and Ann, Julia, Robin, Shari, Marijke, Mark, Dave, our neighborly Dutch co-campers, so many others and of course all the ones whose name I never got to know… I am so grateful to have met you.[/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe][fusion_separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”24px” bottom_margin=”” sep_color=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” class=”” id=””/][fusion_text]Boom is a psychedelic festival, meaning most people there will have some experience or another with consciousness expansion, opening up their minds to the unimaginable, the unspeakable.

    What often happens then, is you become aware of a connecting, infinite ‘force’ or source that unites everything and all of us. In my work with Ayahuasca and also speaking to many people from Boom, these experiences and the insights they bring, prove to have the potential to change lives.

    They inspire people to consume less and connect more to nature, to the silence within and to other people. To create artwork and make music. To let go of judgments or prejudice. And that is really just the beginning.

    [/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text](Artwork exhibited at Boom Festival 2016: “Pyroclastic Blow” by Keerych Luminokaya)[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”24px” bottom_margin=”” sep_color=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” class=”” id=””/][fusion_text]Boom is meant to be a tribal gathering of kindred spirits who wish to make a change for the better on this Earth. And truly, this spirit is felt throughout the festival, in (almost) every pair of eyes you meet.

    I left Boom again with a ton of inspiration, spiritual as well as super practical. New energy for work and health and loads of energy to get it all done.

    What struck me most this year, was the many spontaneous music jams. Just bring your guitar and people will come up and ask to play together. So many people, so many voices. It was always simply beautiful, and often amazing what happened when we just allowed the moment to create its own sound. It really helped me to open up with my own playing and singing as well.

    Thank you, wonderful brothers and sisters of Boom <3.

    [/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe][fusion_separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”24px” bottom_margin=”” sep_color=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” class=”” id=””/][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

  • Santiago de Compostela (Summer in a VW campervan IV)

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]After Bilbao, we roamed around in Santiago de Compostela for a few days.

    The Camino de Santiago (Latin: Peregrinatio Compostellana, Galician: Camiño de Santiago), also known by the English names Way of St. James, St. James’s Way, St. James’s Path, St. James’s Trail, Route of Santiago de Compostela,[1] and Road to Santiago,[2] is the name of any of the pilgrimage routes, known as pilgrim ways, to the shrine of the apostle St. James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwesternSpain, where tradition has it that the remains of the saint are buried. Many take up this route as a form of spiritual path or retreat for their spiritual growth.

    (Source: Wikipedia)[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]

    Driving up to the pilgrim’s town, we already saw many people walking up and down the surrounding hills, packed with backpacks. A natural sense of calm and contemplation came over me and I felt again what I’ve thought a few times before in my life: I’d love to walk the Camino. Alone. When the time comes.

    [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]About the town: it is a bit touristy of course, but what a lovely atmosphere! I really liked it. So many churches, parks, squares and such beautiful surroundings! There is a calmness in the town that really appealed to me.

    We played guitar in the parks, walked the streets among the many pilgrims and visited some of the churches and chapels.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]We parked the campervan alongside a stream with crystal clear water. There, we met a Ukrainian guy who hardly spoke English but generously gifted us arms full of cucumbers and zucchini. We invited him to help eat it all but he kindly refused, so we ate zucchini for dinner, breakfast and lunch :D.

    Blessings :).[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

  • Bilbao & North Spain coast (Summer in a VW campervan III)

    Bilbao & North Spain coast (Summer in a VW campervan III)

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]After having visited Ton in France, we went on to the Spanish coast near Bilbao and met up with my childhood friend Joris and his wonderful wife Eider and kids. In the evening, we found the perfect beach and cooked dinner by the sunset.

    [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe][fusion_separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”24px” bottom_margin=”” sep_color=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” class=”” id=””/][fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe][fusion_separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”24px” bottom_margin=”” sep_color=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” class=”” id=””/][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]The hot Summer temperatures make for extreme droughts in Southern Europe. One should be very wise and careful when working with fire. A bit further down the journey, in Portugal, we have already seen huge forest fires. Camp wisely..[/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe][fusion_separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”24px” bottom_margin=”” sep_color=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” class=”” id=””/][fusion_text]Every night so far on our journey, we find lovely parking spots right by the beach, a river or park. The views are stunning and the city or a nice local bar are always just a few minutes away. So far we have hardly paid any parking costs and stayed at top locations. A hotel just behind us may charge premium prices for the same view… priceless :).[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe][fusion_separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”24px” bottom_margin=”” sep_color=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” class=”” id=””/][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

  • France is for friendship (Summer in a VW campervan II)

    France is for friendship (Summer in a VW campervan II)

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]Finally, after more than a week of hard work on the VW campervan (Jan) and this new website (me, Judith) we headed south. Starting from the upper north of Germany and with still a long journey ahead of us, we soon reconfirmed that truly the journey IS the destination.

    The van is awesome, life rocks and I can not count the times we laughed a big happy smile at each other, just enjoying being on the road.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”24px” bottom_margin=”” sep_color=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” class=”” id=””/][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]

    Two days later, dear friend Ton received us with open arms in his mountain house in the Dordogne, Southern France. We spent a wonderful couple of days with him.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”24px” bottom_margin=”” sep_color=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” class=”” id=””/][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]I love to cook outside and Ton’s place is just perfect for that. We had great grilled veggies and cheese with rosemary, garlic and olive oil. I hope to post the recipe soon :). Next day, Ton prepared pasta with a sauce made of home grown ingredients.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”24px” bottom_margin=”” sep_color=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” class=”” id=””/][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]Jan took the opportunity to tweak the van a bit further and finish a sliding kitchen cabinet.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”24px” bottom_margin=”” sep_color=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” class=”” id=””/][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]It’s often the simplest things in life that fill me with gratitude the most. Plants. Friendship without words. The cool shade of a tree. The sounds of frogs and crickets in the night. Making a campfire together. Sharing a cup of tea. Love and trust. Simplicity and knowing we can have everything, and need almost nothing.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

  • Emden, Northern Germany (Summer in a VW campervan I)

    Emden, Northern Germany (Summer in a VW campervan I)

    Moin! I’m in Emden, Ost-Friesland, Northern Germany and here, ‘Moin!’ is the way to say hi.

    Update

    Life has been wild and deep and the blog has been silent for the last couple of months. A new love has entered my life and I’ve spent quite some time here in Germany and roaming different places in The Netherlands, looking out for a steady place to live and meanwhile enjoying the location independent lifestyle.

    Nomading

    Sometimes, I really long to live somewhere steady, just to have a ‘basecamp’. However, the apartments I applied for so far have not yet turned out to be a match and although my mind sometimes feels sorry about that, my heart is calm and knows everything is alright and life is providing everything that is needed in just the right time.

    As a direct example, this roaming lifestyle enables me to pay off my debt faster than I could have otherwise and frankly, feeling that weight slowly but steadily being lifted off my shoulders is huge.

    Hit the road again

    After six months of profound work, the hurt of the breakup still being felt, some exciting website jobs, a couple of ceremonial workshops, and five different houses I’ve taken care of or stayed at, the time has come for me to hit the road again.

    Love Jan has bought a Volkswagen T5 van and is turning it into a comfortable campervan. He is a carpenter and works miracles with wood, making everything in here fit the curves of the bus just perfectly.

    Meanwhile, I am working on a brand new look and functionality for this website using the van as my office. We expect to both be ready in a few days.

    judith-jan-campervan-emden

    Volkswagen T5 campervan makeover

    Some highlights of the work he is getting done: a big bed annex chill area, optimal storage space, a multifunctional mini kitchen to be used inside or outside of the vehicle and ‘swivel seats’, meaning we can turn around the driver and passenger seats to create a spacious and comfy home using the full length of the van.

    He is getting all that done AND making us lovely breakfast each morning in his mother’s ‘Cafétje’, too!

    What’s next

    We’re almost done: Jan with the van, and I with the website. I’m totally excited about putting that live and then roadtripping down south, through Belgium, to France, Spain and Portugal. I’ve recently picked up playing guitar and expect to add a few songs to my songbook along the way, visit faraway friends and get some work done in the meantime as well.

    I’m ready to find out what living in a campervan is really like… and will of course keep you posted whenever I can! If you have ever traveled this way, please do share your experience in the comments. Or, if you have questions about the VW campervan makeover, those are welcome as well!

  • Sweet & sour curry rice

    Sweet & sour curry rice

    This was one of those moments when all leftovers matched up to a perfect dish. Should work with a variety of veg and curry pastes, but be sure to add the pineapple (for sweetness) and tomatoes (for tartiness).

    In our case, we had a piece of courgette, some canned pineapple, a few tomatoes, some sliced pieces of fennel and a handful of nuts & raisins.

    We added 5 spoonfuls of penang curry from Thailand, tasted it and took out 3 again for it would have been way to hot otherwise :D. The real stuff from Thailand is definitely different from the ‘real stuff’ in our tokos here in Europe..

    Anyway, you can’t really go wrong with this dish.. just fry the fruit & veg in the curry paste until they have a nice bite. This is one of those creations that taste even better the next day, so it doesn’t hurt to make a bit more than you need.

    The fluid from the tomatoes and pineapple will make it nice and saucy. Add small cups of water if it dries out too fast. The curry should be shiny when you serve, not dry.

    Even better if you can add some onion, garlic and ginger. That will spice it up bigtime, and I’m a big lover of spice.

    As always… enjoy!

    <3