It’s my first time in Amsterdam.

I last came to The Netherlands in 1986 ( I think ). That was to play rugby, with my Uni team.

Not being a drug taker, it’s never been on my list, tho obviously there’s much more here than substance availability.

My God, the whole of this country is on the verge of being underwater.. indeed most of it used to actually be.

I’ve made myself useful in the support van, as navigating thro literally endless canals and rivers, chasing bikes that can go pretty much anywhere ( down narrow paths and across foot bridges ) has not been easy.
The task has kept me distracted from thoughts of my imminent anniversary.

As I write, I’m struggling not to cry, so terrible is that anniversary now to me.