📍 Location: Boeregoed & Zwijndrecht, The NetherlandsEpisode Notes Today, September 20th, was one of those rare days where past and present come together perfectly. This morning, I visited Boeregoed — a place that holds deep meaning for me. I grew up right across the street, in a house that no longer exists, replaced by new homes. The greenhouses, though — they’re still there. I used to cut lettuce and pick tomatoes in them as a kid. Coming back after all these years, seeing those same greenhouses now producing organic vegetables and supporting a community-focused organization — it was emotional and full of nostalgia.I invited old neighbors and friends to join me there, marking both a farewell and a reconnection. The turnout was heartwarming — and while over 3,400 people viewed the event online, thankfully, not everyone showed up in person!Later in the day, I traveled to Zwijndrecht for the Tris Museum, where we held a long-awaited reunion of our 1st and 2nd platoons — Lichting 745 of the Dutch Army. It’s been nearly 50 years since our platoon served in Suriname, leaving just before its independence in November 1975. The gathering was full of familiar faces, shared memories, and, of course, Surinamese food.We laughed, reminisced, and even formed new WhatsApp groups to stay in touch. The museum itself is a treasure — housing vehicles, memorabilia, and even a koryao, a large canoe brought over from Suriname.We ended the day together at the Van der Valk Hotel in Dordrecht, where the conversations and laughter carried on into the evening.If you’d like to explore more about this chapter of history, check out the Tris Museum in Zwijndrecht or visit their website. You’ll even find a Super 8 documentary I made during my army service — it’s 1 hour and 38 minutes long and captures our time in Suriname, including the Independence Day celebrations on November 25, 1975.It’s been a full, heartfelt day — reconnecting with where I came from and the people who shared that journey.🔑 Key Moments[00:00] Returning to Boeregoed — childhood memories among the greenhouses[04:15] Reconnecting with old neighbors and friends after decades[08:30] Reflecting on leaving The Netherlands in 1983 for the U.S.[10:20] The reunion of Lichting 745 — 50 years since Suriname independence[15:10] Surinamese food, laughter, and army stories[18:45] Exploring the Tris Museum’s exhibits and the Suriname canoe[22:00] Wrapping up the day at Van der Valk Hotel, Dordrecht[24:30] Inviting listeners to watch the Suriname documentary on YouTube

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