Starting 2022 with a new adventure I bought a camper, my new mobile home ofifice. Going on tour through Germany, Denmark and Poland from March to July. Follow #mariskajourney.

Me and my dad in the camper store - February 2022

The new beginning ..

It sounds so easy and exciting, starting a new adventure after all what happened during the past 2 years. Yes, I love adventures and exploring new places, just I don’t want to travel alone. This dream of travelling around in a camper was a dream of me and Christophe.

If he turned 50, I told him, we will take a break of a few months and travel. Years ago, he said I was insane, but after a while he got used to travel and taking holidays, he admitted that the liked the idea. When I met him 13 years ago he never took a holiday, or he spend his holidays working in his favorite pub in Ghent.

But if a plan remains in the ideation phase, it will never become a reality. And that hurts! Not the fact that we can’t travel together but all the things we planned together for the future, are destroyed and these opportunities will never ever come back.

Before he left us, Christophe said, I wish I would have started earlier travelling but thankx to you I have seen many beautiful places. Promise me that you will continue travelling. And his words stuck in my mind.

This is easier said than done in Corona times. And as the housing market in the Netherlands is insane (average price of a house is 430.000!!!, no villa just a house..) I thought of combining elements, connecting the dots and have my freedom back. Living with my dad is nice and I am really grateful that he took care of me, and I for him but I do miss my freedom as an indepedent woman.

Spontaneity

Therefore the idea of a camper popped up and within 2 weeks I bought a camper. Apparently the camper market is just as insane as the housing market but I was lucky and the first store I entered, I bought the camper and that without a test drive. Crazy! Yes and just a few days later I actually realised what I have done… typically me… Because this is not just a camper, it will completely change my life, the way I work and live. And don’t forget the time it requires to prepare the journey.

Of course, I am very well aware that it will be an emotional trip and a confrontation with myself. But it’s still rare that a day passes without crying, and this also will happen during my journey. I don’t mind to express my emotions in public and why not. Tears are part of life, as well as joy and it’s better to cry together than alone. Everybody experiences a grieving process in a different way and some people don’t want to talk about it, but I do. And in case I don’t want to talk, I will say it.

Media partners of my journey

It’s not easy to accomplish a dream alone what what was meant for the two of us. But despite that I am fortunate that I can and able to do this. And as soon as I shared the news the reactions and invites from all over Europe are overwhelming and giving me the energy and strength to continue and execute my camper journey. And 3 media partners from the meetings and events industry will cover my journey:

How amazing! It so hearwarming get the support.

Planning

Let me be clear, despite that I will visit friends, and industry friends and explore new places during my journey, this is mainly a business trip. My camper will be my home office and will visit clients, and potential clients along the way. So, if you live in Germany, Poland or Denmark, keep me posted. At the end of June I will be back in the Netherlands for the birthday of my dad where I will spend the entire summer until September.

New initiatives

Besides preparing my new adventure, I have been working on different initiatives.

The association for braintumors and patients and their loved ones is in full progress. As the landscape is very divided it requires time to get all parties involved around the table. It’s incredibe the steps we have taken with the board in just a couple of months with people I have never meet before.
In the meantime I received 3 requests from local associations to share my personal journey on stage and this all due to the book I wrote ‘Mijn man heeft een hersentumore en ik sta ernaast’. (until now only available in Dutch). Unfortunately two presentations are on hold due to Corona but 1 presentation is taking place at the end of June when I’m back. Will share more information soon here!
And last but not least, I have been working on a new initiative to support my industry, the meetings and events industry, this is really necessary because 80% of the companies in the Netherlands related with our industry have a loss of income. The idea of an incubator, creating a place for entrepreneurs to support innovation within our industry. A place where entrepreneurs receive the support of a mentor, access to funding, tools to grow and to test their product or service. And suddenly, out of the blue, someone comes across your path and offers the support your were looking for! Thank you Nienke and welcome to the team.

Bye bye Slimmie

Two weeks ago I brought my cat, who I gave to my dad years ago because it clashed with my other cat Loekie, to the Vet, for an injection. He had diabetes.. and seeing a pet suffering and lying on the kitchen floor broke me. So the next morning we brought Malé (my father called him Slimmie) to sleep. And buried in our garden. I cried a lot.

Yes I know, It’s just a cat but he brought joy and company, comfort for my father. And despite he had a good age, 15 years old, it’s a loss. When I leave with my camper in a couple of weeks the house will be empty. I hope I can convince my father to go the animal shelter before my departure so he won’t be alone at home during my journey.

Carpe diem and see you soon. Follow me #mariskajourney Read the full story on my special blog.

A new adventure - my camper journey