by Peter Versteeg (on behalf of the SpW team)—
Between the blues and living easy, the summer break is at our doorstep. We asked the SpW team what their plans are. And this is what they said:
Marina:
I look forward to finish writing the book I started two years ago, about one of my best friends in Yemen. She died two months ago, and this feels like the right moment to bring the story to an end. I also look forward to staying home and not going to the VU for at least four weeks.
Robert:
Now that my studies are finally over, I look forward to shutting down my brain’s left hemisphere for a month. Ahead of me is a month-long motorcycle road trip through southern Europe during which I intend to catch up with friends, go for hikes, swim in alpine lakes, and eat amazing food.
Tess:
Since I jumped on the PhD train only last April, I will spend most of my summer diving deeper into the world inside the walls of a hospital, becoming familiar with its people, culture, habits, and healing practices. But of course, I’ll also take some time to escape everyday life to get lost in the mountains of Iceland, sail through the Danish Limfjord, and sail my favorite ship during the tenth edition of Sail Amsterdam.
Romy:
My top priority this summer is to complete my master’s thesis. After that, who knows? Usually, I like having plans, but this year I’m enjoying not having any. I will make them up as I go along! Practice my photography skills, go on long walks, and read books that have nothing to do with my thesis. I’m greatly looking forward to it.
Jordi:
I will spend most of my summer vacation in Sri Lanka. I’m looking forward to having a break from everyday working life, to relaxing on the coast, to hiking through forests and in the mountains, and to reflecting and clearing my mind while doing so.
Peter:
Reading, studying, and writing are the things I am going to pursue this summer. From time to time, I am sure I will find someone to drink coffee with or go to a movie. Summer is not the best season for films, but it is also the time to find relatively unknown gems, such as Nocturne or La Virgen de Agosto. Part of it might take place in a not-too-distant foreign country. After all, it’s summer everywhere.
Samma:
I am staying in Amsterdam this summer, working on the Noordermarkt. I love the poetry that has entered my life through the organic vegetables that I sell in the heart of the city. I feel the summer come alive as I run my fingers through the fresh cherries, picking out the shiniest to sell and noticing the moment the peaches are at their ripest. Next to that, I am looking forward to going camping with a bunch of musician friends in the South of France. A summer of vitamins, singing, and overall enjoying life as it comes!
The SpW team wishes you a great summer! We will be back in September.