…..but you can’t take the country out of the boy. This English phrase and Carl Perkins song describes my feeling of moving back to the countryside. I’m not returning to my hometown (Bruce Springsteen song) though. My little town (Simon & Garfunkel song) has lots of wind and rain and open plains but not a lot of trees. Trees provide tranquility (Brilliant Trees by David Sylvian).
For nearly 26 years, I have been living in Haarlem, “situated at the northern edge of the Randstad, one of the most populated metropolitan areas in Europe”. If I had to choose between city slickers and country boys (Lisa LeBlanc song), the choice would be easy.
Although I’m still living in the 12th largest Dutch city, it doesn’t feel like that. There is lots of “green” around me, including a city forest at walking distance. My garden has been visited by bats, foxes, seagulls, a woodpecker and even a buzzard, apart from many regular animals.
For many months, I was looking at the east of the Netherlands, especially the Achterhoek and Twente regions. I fell in love with Lochem, a small beautiful city of some 30,000 people, which felt like a small version of Haarlem (160,000 people).
For several months, I had an option on a city apartment at the best location of Lochem. I lost my confidence in that real estate project for several reasons. Finding a substitute was far from easy. I revisited every single decision I thought I had already taken, which was tiresome.
Some months ago, my real estate agent told me to hurry up finding a new place as I have to exit my house in the not too distant future. I was a little crossed with his (valid) remark. He is, however, also responsible for a major change in my thinking. At a certain moment, he said that I was looking at bigger places although my aim was to downsize (sic!).
After letting his remark sink in, I updated my search prospects. Suddenly a new place emerged that had been far outside my scope. Its pictures felt very well and I decided to pay a visit. The first thing I noticed, while exiting the highway, were trees, lots and lots of trees. Things went very quickly then. I made an offer during my visit. It was accepted a few hours later.
Soon I’ll be a country boy again and I’m thankful for that (John Denver song). Moreover, the scenery isn’t that much different from where I’m still living. It’s just more quiet (eg, noise, people) and much more “green”. Everything is at walking distance, including a nice restaurant at just 200 metres.
I’m grateful for having found my new place to live. I will always remember that a Belgian friend passed away the very same day I bought my house. Yesterday would have been her birthday.
You Can Take the Boy Out of the Country (1967) by Carl Perkins
album & song, artist, Bob Luman’s lyrics, video, Wiki (Carl Perkins), Wiki (Bob Luman)
You can take the boy from the country
Dress him up until he’s looking smart
All those fancy clothes will never change him
He’ll still be a country boy at heart
Note: all markings (bold, italic, underlining) by LO unless stated otherwise.
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