In Ik Departure XL we follow the adventure of Marja, Hans, Renzo, Wim and Ada in Italy and Francine, Rinse, Jan, Fabienne, Oscar and Vanessa on Bonaire. The Italy fanatics have their eye on ‘a property with potential’ that they want to transform into a group accommodation. Have their dreams come true?
Update Ada, Wim, Marja and Renzo
Slowly, a bit of inner peace is starting to come back. The help of family and friends, the close friendship in our team, being able to rely on each other and relying on each other and sharing all emotions together has brought us where we are now. It was a turbulent time in every way. These events have of course left the necessary traces. But in between all the setbacks and difficult moments we kept the humor and that helps to put things into perspective.
We enjoy the good and beautiful things again. We have had a short holiday and are happy to continue with our ‘project’. And Hans is just there, he watches and ‘travels’ with us in everything. There is still much to do and we are always looking forward to it. And after the worst rain, the sun always comes back. Jessica, Marja’s eldest daughter, is expecting her first child.
Life in Italy
Italian life is good. It’s not called ‘La Dolce Vita’ for nothing. Life in this part of Italy goes more in slow motion than in the Netherlands. Life in the Netherlands is hectic and busy, there is little real ‘space’. People are always tightly bound by rules and times. In Italy things are different, what doesn’t work today will come tomorrow. We’ve noticed that enough. And well… the wine… the food…
Shot in the case
Two guest rooms are now ready, which we can furnish in the coming days. Furthermore, the roof of the outbuilding has already been replaced quite a bit, this is now ‘leak-tight’ for next winter. We also want to move on quickly with the murals of the balconies above. The colder period of the year is coming, so we don’t want to wait too long.
It is fantastic to be able to show the guests all the beauty of Friuli and to be able to offer them the best of both worlds. That is very satisfying. All this far away from the hectic pace of daily life in the Netherlands. No television, no radio and sometimes no internet. Walking together in untouched nature, healthy for body and mind.
A dream come true
Life in Italy is one that you can sustain for a very long time. So much healthier too, a different pace. Without guests it is relaxed and not having to do anything. You always have a motivated and cheerful atmosphere with guests, after all they are on holiday! Together we can give the best interpretations to this during an organized trip.
It’s a life you can sustain for a very long time
Ada, Wim, Marja and Renzo
The intention was and is the same, but in hindsight we should have done it at least ten or fifteen years earlier. We would have liked to have taken on this challenge at a younger age. And that is separate from the corona time, the setback and personal events. ‘That’s life’ with everything that goes with it. Participating in Ik Departure XL has been a fun and special experience!
In the future, we don’t see ourselves in a seniors’ flat. Hopefully by then we can still do and experience nice things with our friends in Italy in good health. With the beautiful nature around us, simplify life, laugh a lot and keep busy. In short, enjoy the good life!