No … not the people in the photo – my friends at Izy Coffee.

I told myself years ago that I’d never again read a gossip magazine, and guess what I’m doing (in Dutch)?

Larisa told me that the words are basic, perfect for a newbie Dutch learner.  She was sitting with Bart, Geert and me this morning.  They want me to succeed in my new language.  So does the barista Arjen, who was leaning into our conversation.

“Speak to us” was the message, however unsure and full of mistakes in grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.  “And we will speak to you” – slowly and clearly.  Thank you, dear friends.  My journey will be long … and I am accompanied.

At one point Larisa stood up and walked out of the coffee shop.  She lives only steps away.  Ten minutes later she was back, with a copy of Story in her hand.  “For you.”

And so, not only will I steep in the basics of my new language, but I can catch up on the latest from Hollywood and Monaco (yuck to the second point).

Everyone sitting around recommended Arjen as the perfect Dutch speaker and language partner.  And when I watch him, I see how welcoming he is to every customer, including me.  Guess I’m going to be drinking a lot of coffee!

***

I feel renewed.  I’m going to study hard and do all I can to stay in this course.  I see that during class time I’m not good at absorbing new material.  So be it.  I vow to keep my head up when the new starts to overwhelm me.

I have a lovely apartment – perfect for learning.  My friend Paula from the class will have studying sessions with me.  We can teach each other.

I will succeed