I’m not blood-related to any of them but you know what I mean.  My friend Cara visited me in Canada two years ago.  We had fun.  Last night also included her mom Petra, her dad Pascal, her boyfriend Simon, her sister Tessi and Tessi’s boyfriend Bas.

As we sat in a lovely restaurant called Takes Thyme on the Ottogracht, I reflected on what a fortunate human being I am.  Friends, old and new, flowing in the conversation … without jagged edges.  Six folks who were kind enough to speak in English, so I would feel included.  Flavours from the hands and heart of the chef Federica, who was so happy that we were sitting in her home.

I had pesto pasta (spaghetti actually) with pine nuts and amazing olive oil – my absolute favourite meal in the whole wide world.

I forgot to take a photo of us but you’ll get the idea.  I thought of Googling “seven people having dinner” but the result would have been false.

Here are some highlights:

1.  Cara and Simon just returned from a vacation in Tunisia.  She talked about a kind old woman who taught her how to spin wool, which would soon be transformed into a blanket.  Last night Cara and Simon held hands a lot.

2. Tessi told me of her passion for art history, especially the colours of expressionist paintings.  Bas’ passion is the theatre.  I told him that everyone at the table had to give a five-minute speech.  Instead of backing away, he leaned forward.  As he was about to begin, I smiled and told him it was a joke.  Tessi and Bas held hands a lot.

3.  Petra sat next to her hubby Pascal.  I didn’t see any handholding … but there was an easy love.  And a sweet satisfaction that their family was together.  When someone lapsed into discussion in Dutch, Petra gently reminded them to speak English.  Pascal smiled throughout the evening.  I asked him how old he was  >  “57”  >  “Wow, you’re old!” (I’m 75)  >  (Belly laugh from the old guy)

We went back to my apartment after dinner and talked about this, that and everything else.  I wanted them to experience a stunning YouTube video – Jacob Collier singing Somebody To Love.  So I turned on the TV.  During the song, there was silence on our lips.  At the end, Tessi burst into applause.  Jacob is a magician with his audience.

***

It’s morning

Last night lingers

I’m smiling