How the other half lives

Last weekend we hiked through the most south-western part of The Netherlands, called Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. A bit on the fly, last moment decision and it being Easter most venues were totally booked. We found a hotel in a place called Aardenburg. Known vaguely from the map but that is all. From our window we could see the next village, in Belgium. During our hikes we at times had no more meters left of our home country. We never got around seeing Aardenburg though.

Zeeuws-Vlaanderen came across as a part of our country where war has been rampant, hundreds of years ago. Old citadels, bastions, defence lines, they are still a part of the cities and villages and shape the landscape. Around 1600 "we" fought the Spaniards and "they" us. I've learned a lot in two days time, not to start about French armies that came "visiting" every few years.

In the hotel there was live music. The duo Cliff & Katrien was advertised and part of our package. We had no idea, but we decided to go down and enjoy some of the "free" drinks. Only Cliff was there, Katrien must have been indisposed. Either that or the duo had broken up quite recently.

When we came down the room was packed. Average age, 65 as a minimum and the musical repertoire aimed at even older people. Cliff, electronic beats and a keyboard, was singing a wide-ranging repertoire of rock and roll, 'The Hucklebuck', translated versions of well-known hits and Dutch language schlagers. No, I can't claim to know all songs, but so many were so familiar, with Neil Diamond, I think 'Sweet Caroline' came by three times that evening, as number 1. Also a song I had forgotten all about, until the former actress died this winter, Gina Lollobrigida. A man called Tony Bass had a huge hit in 1969 with a song called after her. Believe it or not, large parts of the text came rolling out of me with ease. Surprising even myself.

Cliff is a fairly young man. Perhaps 40 but maybe not even that. He's singing songs from way before his time. And with such ease. One song after the other comes rolling out. The beat starts and off he goes. As if he always plays without Katrien, who slowly grew into mythical proportions at our table.

It's easy to be disdainful. Cliff doesn't deserve it. The guy can play, can sing and entertain his target audience. People were singing, clapping, dancing and having a genuine good time. And me, it's hard to not enjoy music played live. Even this kind of music. So, here you have it, I had a fairly good time, in my new Shame t-shirt and all.

Cliff started his second set with his accordion. I hate that kind of music, but I have to give it to him, he plays really well. And, thankfully he refrained from 'De Vogeltjesdans'. This is how the other half lives and has a good time. It's good to be reminded every once in a while.

Wout de Natris