Shoes are optional ...🐄

Dear Friends,

We hope you all had a wonderful start to the new week!
Last week was a very busy one for us at Kuierkos. It seems many people made the most of the long weekend, and what a fantastic few days it turned out to be.

We co-hosted the Ascencion Day Cycling Wine Tour with our lovely neighbours at Café ’t Hemeltje. Together, we proudly represented South Africa in our little corner of Bloemendaal. Seeing the South African flags hanging outside and creating such a warm and festive atmosphere made us incredibly proud. About 400 brave people took on the unpredictable Dutch weather to cycle between 5 pubs in Haarlem and surroundings, tasting wonderful new wines from round the world along the way. It was absolutely “gezellig” and such a special experience to see everyone enjoying themselves together.

“Afrikaans is Lekker in Amsterdam” was also a huge feest! Thank you to every single person who supported us. We truly felt blessed. Even Andreasa and I took a moment to show off a few dance moves on the dance floor! It is always such a pleasure working with Wian from Zoo Marketing as well.

We also had a wonderful workshop at Kuierkos hosted by Kikko and Koast. Together we painted MCC bottles, and I must say, the participants came up with the most beautiful and creative designs. It was such a lovely afternoon filled with laughter, creativity, and good company.

Now, after all the excitement, my body is reminding me that I am not getting any younger. There are aches and pains I never even knew existed, especially in my feet. Honestly, I feel ready for Young Clinic orthopedic shoes!

The sore feet made me think back to childhood days when you suddenly hit a growth spurt and, overnight, your shoes were too small. With 5 children, my poor mother had quite the challenge keeping us clothed. Luckily, we received many hand-me-downs. Back then, it did not always feel like a blessing. You were not always excited to wear your cousin’s clothes. These days, they call it “vintage or Vinted”!

I remember getting a beautiful pair of white shoes from my cousins. They had a tiny heel and looked so smart. The only problem was that they were a few sizes too big. But you know, ’n boer maak ’n plan, so my mom stuffed cotton wool into the front of the shoes.
Not long after that, family friends asked me to be a flower girl at their wedding. I desperately wanted to wear those shoes, but the bride wanted all the flower girls in black shoes. Bless my mother, she made a plan again. In those days, you could buy shoe dye, although it was quite a chemical process. Somehow my mom made it work, and I was so proud of my shiny black shoes.

Unfortunately, the dye did not hold up too well, especially not on a child running around, playing hide-and-seek and chasing cousins all evening long. By the end of the night, my socks were black, and my shoes looked like an old Jersey cow, with black-and-white spots everywhere!

So if you ever see me working barefoot at an event… just know it’s because my feet and painful shoes are no longer in a healthy relationship. I choose comfort, peace, and the ability to still walk the next day. Please no judgement… my barefoot era is thriving.

On a happier note, the weather forecast finally looks promising, with lots of sunshine ahead. And with the extra day off coming up, it makes it even more special. Be sure to order your Kuierkos goodies in time so you are ready to enjoy the sunshine properly.

Lots of love,
Marnella en Andreas