If there’s one thing that changed about me since I’ve moved to the Netherlands is that the sun now makes me react. When it’s sunny there is no staying home. Last Saturday was like any other except for the fact that it was sunny. So with no plans, I decided to go on a walk through Utrecht. I parked my bike and began walking through Neude when I was approached by two people holding signs that said “Free Hugs.” It reminded me of newmindspace and I happily obliged. They asked me to join and next thing I knew I was walking around the city, holding up a sign and hugging strangers.
Turns out I had wandered into was a Couchsurfers gathering. These people are an online community who members open up their homes to travellers and expect the same when they go abroad. The Free Hug aspect originated from an Australian who posted a video on Youtube. The funniest moments were when conversation turned nerdy and people started talking about the website (“People give out references so easily these days, it used to be a really serious thing to write a reference for someone.”)
Their free and open spirit really showed when during the post-event drinks, a couple invited everyone over for dinner. A bunch of people left the bar and went grocery shopping. The rest of us followed later and walked to their house. More people volunteered to cook dinner under the guidance of our main cook. After sitting around, chatting and blowing bubbles we were presented with a meal of couscous, homemade pumpkin soup, homemade hummus and bread. There were about 15 of us, everyone only had to pony up 3€ to split the cost of groceries and drinks. It was by far the cheapest and most satisfying meal in Europe so far.
After dinner, those who didn’t help cook washed the dishes. In a team, I powered through the largest pile of dishes I have ever washed in my life. The rest of the night was spent playing a selection of board games from our hosts’ rather large collection. We played Halli Galli, a frustratingly difficult children’s game that involves counting the number of fruits and slapping a bell. Following a few rousing rounds, we splintered into smaller groups and I ended up playing Machiavelli. It’s a strange game about building a city where you take on the roles of a priest, king, builder, destroyer etc. Finally, we finished off with a game that involved asking questions and stereotyping eachother. I think the English equivalent would be Scruples.
Around 2:30AM we packed it up. One girl surfed there and another two headed home with another girl who lived in Utrecht. I walked back to where I parked my bike some 12 hours before and went home. And that’s how I spent my Saturday.
