About Stroopwafels, Trains, Articles and Ponies
Christiaan van der Ham
A Passionate Professional Networker | Creating Connections Around the World | Loves to Travel; Learning from every Experience
I am leaving the supermarket with several bags of stroopwafels. Preparations for the ITB started again. Selecting presentations, confirming appointments, choosing locations for dinners, and planning the entire programme are always exciting, no matter how often you attend this event.
Obviously, the planning is the most essential part of my preparation. After all, it will be the framework for five days. Therefore, correct and realistic planning is necessary.
Okay, the first day concerns the outward journey, and the fifth day concerns the return trip. "Easy days, right?" Somehow, true. However, I check the number of times I change trains and say a little prayer to avoid delays in the Netherlands and Germany.
Much comes down to the finishing touch. In this case, some gifts from the Netherlands. Ideally, I would bring a Duch caravan to the German capital, park it at Unter den Linden and sell all Dutch fried snacks: patatje Joppiesaus, kibbeling, kaassoufflé and kroket (or are you a member of 'team frikandel'?) However, such budget and caravan don't exist; therefore, cute bags of stroopwafels are for you.
Nevertheless, the language is more important. During my childhood, I spent several holidays in the DACH region; however, I enjoyed French lessons in high school. I, therefore, missed some essential years of learning German words and, above all, grammar. As a result, I am very creative, combining articles and nouns.
I know: many Germans find this 'German' cute. And I'm happy to contribute to a new edition of the language. (Seriously, I have tried to add the word 'Uberhübsch' to the German dictionary for so many years by now...) But let's be honest: Rudi, Linda, Sylvi and Chantal managed to launch a career in Germany (decently speaking the language), so why can't I?
Throughout the years, I have learned that it is about more than grammar. Learn some expressions and slang, and you can add a touch of understanding and expression to your conversation. Nevertheless, the German language remains a grammatical minefield to me.
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Some of my German friends turn to apps such as Duolingo to learn the Dutch language. It's great that you can practice a language like this! I do question the sentences sometimes, but above all, you can practice! I might try it when I'm on the train to Germany. Let's see what the result will be.
The journey might be long, but I'll happily return to the German capital to meet new connections and see old friends. As many know, such events will only allow a little leisure time. It is all about meetings, networking and learning about new trends and developments. So, no sightseeing for me; you won't find me in front of the Brandenburger Tor, looking up to the Quadriga while thinking, "Das leben ist kein Ponyhof."
Nevertheless, see you soon! tot gauw! bis bald!
New Work & Employee Experience I People & Organisation Management @ KERUN.ONE
1 年I will add uberhübsch to my vocabulary from now on and simply pretend it's a normal German word! Not sure what you actually mean by it, but I like it anyways ?? Enjoy Berlin and the Stroopwafels!
Shaping the Future of Corporate Travel: Driving Sustainable Change, Empowering Careers, and Connecting People and Technology
1 年Looks excellent to me, Christiaan! I'm adamant: if I hadn't been born German I wouldn't have learned the language ?? . But...you are tempting me to come to ITB after all: Stroopwafels? That's as good a draw as I know! Have a safe journey!