Borrel: a cocktail party

A few weeks ago we had our annual "borrel," like a cocktail party. IFOR does this as a New Year get-together for friends and associates, to see the office and meet new staffers. We host the event with lots of different drinks and Dutch snack foods, and provide a little entertainment for the quests, which are usually all from Holland.

I may have mentioned that I have been learning a new song, just for fun, like I did while in Rochester. An acquaintances at the library suggested it, it's a classic Dutch song called "Ode aan Maastricht," and he's learning one in English by Scottish singer/songwriter Amy Macdonald.

Well, my musician friend Srdan in the office next to mine found out about this and talked me into singing the song, with him playing the guitar at the borrel. We practiced on and off for about a month, although I was hesitant about doing this in front of a house full of native Dutch speakers. Additionally, I had invited a couple of neighbors (women friends) this year, who just happen to be in local singing groups―probably not the best way for me to get to know them better, ha!

Anyway, the time came and I ended up singing at the party. Luckily all went well, and everyone had a few good laughs at the same time. It was really a riot! Srdan plays professionally and helped me though all of it, otherwise I might have been deported by now. And my two neighbor friends even asked me to join their singing group... Oh ya', I thought, that should really be interesting. Seems like everyone in Alkmaar is in a performing singing or musical group; it's just the thing.

So, Monday night I showed up for my first practice with the "Spoorbijster," 18 women and two guys. At least all the songs are in English, old rock and Motown hits. The last number of the night was "Happy Together" by The Turtles, ha!