Ted starts getting bored hanging around the stall, so Abe heads off in search of breakfast, with promises they will be back soon. It is so busy, however, that I forget I left home before breakfast. I don’t even notice my stomach grumbling. By mid-morning, crowds of people are milling around and many head over in the direction of my stall. I want to pinch myself as another family comes along and buys matching jumpers for their twins. By lunchtime I am almost sold out. When Beatrix arrives to see how I’m getting on, there are only two scarves and a couple of felt dogs left.
‘I’d say this was a sell-out. Looks like a great morning,’ she says.
‘It’s flown out. I can’t believe how much has gone, and so quickly,’ I say, as I stamp my feet up and down to try and stay warm. Now that the crowds have dispersed a bit, I realise how cold I am.
‘Have you had a fun day? That’s what’s important.’
‘So much fun. It’s brilliant here. The other stallholders have been so kind, and we keep an eye on each other’s stalls when we have to pop to the loo or grab a coffee or whatever. I feel like I’ve made so many friends in one morning. Customers are saying they’ll be back next week. I even had someone ask me to knit them something bespoke!’
‘I knew they’d love your stall, and your knitting is perfect for the Dutch weather. So, what time are you going to pack up?’
‘Not long. The crowds are thinning out a bit, plus I’ve only got these items left. I’ll give it another ten minutes, and I think I’ll call it a day.’
‘Great. Then perhaps we can go somewhere to celebrate your success?’
‘That would be lovely. Although I may need a shower to warm up a bit first.’
Once I pack up the stall after its successful inauguration, I cycle back home, with only four pieces of stock left in my basket. I feel as though I am a fledgling Dutch resident now. I’ve learnt enough of the language to get by, I have a proper Dutch bike and I am cycling back home to my houseboat with a smile on my face. I am living the Dutch dream!
I dump my bike on deck and rush inside for a warm shower, which slowly defrosts me and makes me grateful for my shiny new boiler. Then I go over to Abe’s so that we can meet Beatrix at a pub for a bite to eat.
Willem is meeting us there and is already sat down, waving over to us as we walk into the busy bar.
‘Hi, I heard you cleaned up at the market today.’
‘Ah, I wouldn’t say that, but I didn’t do too badly,’ I say, as I think of the 200-euro profit I made.
‘So, you’ll be back there next week then.’
‘Oh yes, and I can’t wait. Although I’m going to be busy trying to restock everything and making a bespoke jumper for a customer. Who’d have ever thought I’d end up getting requests like that?’
‘You’ll be opening your own store next,’ says Willem, as Beatrix returns from the bar with some drinks for us.
‘Well, I don’t know about that. I am supposed to be in retirement, after all. I was supposed to come here to chill a bit. But, if I’m honest, I love it. I could never sit still all day. Everyone needs some kind of mission in their lives.’
‘What’s that you’re talking about?’ says Beatrix, sitting down with us.
‘We were just saying about me opening a shop. I think that would be a bit too much for me right now. Once a week at the market is good enough.’
‘Too right. Who wants to work all the time? You’ve got to have some work/life balance. That’s the good thing about being your own boss.’
‘Yeah, but it also means you work harder than ever for your business,’ says Abe.
‘True, but you know what they say about choosing a job you love – you never work a day in your life. I think that’s what we did with the coffee shop, Abe,’ says Beatrix.
‘Yeah, now that is true. It’s hard work, but so rewarding.’
I watch Beatrix and Abe as they chat about the cafe and smile at Willem. I love how close everyone is. Since I arrived here, they have opened their arms and welcomed me into the community, and now their circle of friends. Although I miss Hannah every day, I suppose this is how she feels when she is with her dad and his family. For her, Melbourne is where she belongs. The longer I stay here, the more I feel as though this is where I belong. This was my destiny.
I think back to the very first time I came here with Nicky and fell in love with the place. It felt so relaxed, yet also buzzing with life, and there are so many things to do. It mesmerised me right from the beginning and, today, having started at the welcoming market where everyone embraced me, I love it even more. I adore the culture and the Dutch people, and most of all I love Abe and his family. Perhaps it’s time I told him that.
When we finish our evening with Beatrix and Willem, I ask Abe if he would like a nightcap back at mine.
‘Why not. One for the road, as you always say.’
‘Great. I wanted to have a little chat with you, and since it’s been such a long day it would be good to unwind a bit. I think I’m still on a high from the market.’
When we return toNew Beginnings, Abe pours me a small glass ofstroopwafelliqueur and I take it from his hand, putting it down beside me. I stop and look him in the eye.
