Stretching out the little carpet in the grass. The opening sound of a car of beer. The sun slowly setting and the temperatures still good. Random people come on walking in and laying themselves down to rest for a bit. Others get up again and continue with their day. Music gently beats in the background.
The walk in the park kind of session in the centre of Strijp S is how I like to spend some sunny days. Frankly those ones remind me most of the time in the Caribbean where the beach would be this same kind go-to spot. No plans were made. A small whatapp flies over. ‘Ready at 13?’. No other words needed. 13.00 might turn into 14.00 or even into 15.00. Nobody minds. People come walking up with the ‘hey I had no plans but I was just checking if you guys were sitting here so I could join in for a bit’.
Old branches and shipwrecked wood was gathered. Starting a fire at sunset. A small drive to the local supermarket to get some supplies for a random grill session. Because no one felt like taking care of dinner in the evening. So grilling is the way to go. Home at 20.30 full and happy and straight to bed afterwards. My kind of weekend ender.
I love how these kinds of random sessions would unfold and I really do miss these kinds of gatherings in Holland since everyone has so much planned out already. But maybe Strijp is turning into this kind of hang area where this is possible again. People bringing their families earlier in the day because it is a big field with lots of playing space. A supermarket close by if some additional supplies are needed. And lot of catching up on the daily stuff but also room for the deeper kinds of conversations
And when you want to leave…you take the bike, bus or train home. Anything feels possible. I am not ready for summer to be over already.
