Transcription
A.D. Dirkzwager. 8th july 1989
Oranje Nasaulaan 38
3161 BC Rhoon
Dear Stuart,
I am often think of you. However only the thoughts which materialises in language is of interest to other human beings.
Spoken language requires the presence of the other person.
Written language is nothing but frozen thoughts.
"More than kisses letters mingle souls. For thus friens absent speak" Joh Donne (1572-1631)
I cannot imagine myself kissing you, just to gauge whether or not letters have a greater impact on your soul than my embrace,. Whatever the outcome I whole heartedly underscore Donne's aphorism.
If Gorbachev (then President of Russia, ADD) kisses all the leaders of the Eastern Bloc, then you know he is not corresponding with them.Then he is mingling souls on a very low level. I thought it necessary to lecture you about the embrace, including kissing, as a welcome ceremony, because if you really become the Cuban banker in London, you can hardly avoid the customary welcome that prevails in Cuba. As far as I can remember, Fidel Castro immediately kisses another man in public, provided he doesn't lose his respect. If they don't pay you a proper remuneration, let them pay you for the hardships. If they don't pay you a decent wage, make them pay you for the hardship. Enough banter !
What is the latest news? Anyhow, the good news ia that there is still an interesting life after a career with the lloyds Bank. "Every good boy deserves a favour !!" according to Tom Stoppard.
We were usually in Italy in July. Now that we've been staying home for a month, everyone seems to be on vacation. There is little traffic on the roads, which is great. Before I go to sleep, I pray that these vacationers stay away forever. Then the Netherlands would be a more pleasant place to live. In my prayer I make an exception for the sons. The eldest is in France until August 16 to get acquainted with the French language and hopefully with French culture and Reinoud is in England for four weeks to pick up some English (to later be eligible to join an English Clearing Bank work)
Believe me, it's the first time in 18 years that we've been without children for four weeks. Maybe you shouldn't say things like that, but we really enjoy being alone. We have now aan ocean of yime to ourselves; what a precious gift ! As long they also have a great time we do not feel guilty. Spending a great deal of my time in the garden, reading books, seeing people and listening music.
I have friends who are dead that I have never met, but often they are more interesting than the living friends. As long as they have their thoughts written down, I can access their thoughts.
Lloyds Bank Rotterdam, I believe, we are making the major contribution (of the two offices in the Netherlands ADD)
Ruud Henrar has already left Rotterdam for Amsterdam. Hans Philipsen will start in Amsterdam in September and Sjoerd Mulder at the end of this year. Apparently this is the only way for Amsterdam to get their affairs in order. What about me? I'll manage and if not, then it tough for the bank. I know more is not said nor written, than said and written. Life is full of choices !
Convey our love to Ursula.
By the way, the two German Wimbledon champions this afternoon are not the result of some kind of industrial action by British tennis players?
Love + many greetings also from Vera & Adriaan.
