OK – I was wrong.
When I wrote about the ‘party for singles’ organised by the people I rent my flat from, I was sceptical to say the least. And when the guy picking me up showed up at my house more than half an hour too early, I wasn’t really impressed by their organisational skills either. (Read: I was a snob thinking ‘I can so do this better’).
And when this elderly lady, who was sitting in my taxi as well, cheerfully remarked I’d probably be the only young person attending as most people my age would have jobs, the thought of ‘what have I gotten myself into’ did cross my mind, while I said back with an equally big smile on my face that there must be more young people who have flexible jobs like I do, thank you very much.
I was wrong though: It was great fun. The organising crew was genuinely interested in everyone attending and it was indeed a meeting without expectations. And with hundreds attending I must also add respect to them for arranging this! There were great workshops, everything was taken care of very well and it was a relaxed day.
The best thing obviously were the guys from the West Afrikaanse Percussie groep (I trust you to work that out in English), or in short WAP. The guy leading this was the same guy I saw teaching this group of kids before. He really knows what he’s talking about, makes it a lot of fun and you learn something in the meantime as well. It was also good for me to be ‘on the other side of the classroom’ again.
And I can tell you it’s a great way of clearing your mind. I couldn’t take my eyes off the guy when he was playing and I loved concentrating on just the beat when I played myself as well. Thank you WAP and thank you Weller. I’m sorry I couldn’t stay for dinner, but I had a great day!
P.S. During drinks afterwards I was recognised by a staff member, who once attended my lecture! Now they’re interviewing me for their magazine soon too.
Pictures by Marcel van Hoof.
3 Comments
a day full of rhythm is a day well spent!
I agree with Marcel
Glad that this day turned out to be a good one, after all, Hanny. I love the pic, too.