He is one of the biggest and most beloved presenters in our country and also a father of five daughters, husband of Roos, and grandfather of two grandchildren. He writes columns about his ‘double life’ (“At home, I have nothing to say; I am tolerated there”) which are now compiled and already in stores.
The stories of a father
“In my columns, I describe how things go at the Ten Brink household. Outside, I may be the celebrated presenter, but at home, I have nothing to say. It's quite sad; we have two season tickets for Ajax, and occasionally I am allowed to join. That's pretty much how the dynamics are. Or I come home from a long night flight from Seoul, land at 05:30, and receive a text asking if I can immediately take care of the garbage. I can probably keep doing this work for so long because of this other life. We don't live in a villa in Het Gooi but right in the middle of Amsterdam with five daughters. That keeps me close to the people. At home, I am the concierge. I turn on the lights.‘
Does the weekend bring a hardworking man rest?
“Today I had some fun activities to promote my book. An interview at BNR, and tonight I will join Humberto Tan at RTL Late Night. Tomorrow morning, I will probably be cramming too much luggage and a couple of dogs into the car with a slightly sweaty forehead because we are going to Vlieland with the whole crowd.”
What is read and done in Vlieland at the Ten Brink household?
“I have traveled so much for Love is in the Air and have also done many intercontinental flights that I mainly want to walk with the dogs. Being outside. Furthermore, Saturday is of course for painting eggs, and Sunday is the Easter breakfast, which always causes a lot of fuss because there is always a dog that has eaten the hidden eggs.”
Something special in the glass during Easter
“In Vlieland, I have a small wine fridge with a delicious New Zealand Sauvignon in it, of which I will definitely open a few bottles. And I am looking forward to such a nice organic Fleurie from Beaujolais. The pinnacle of pleasure is, of course, drinking beer in the local café.”
Is anything special listened to during the Easter days?
“Of course, the Vlieland troubadour Sjoerd. ‘Let me just be in Vlieland’, that kind of work. On Easter Sunday, you always flip through the channels to the Mattäus Passion.”
And what is on the menu?
“Roos, what are we eating? Ah, asparagus with salmon. That pairs nicely with that New Zealand Sauvignon!”
Do you want to give the people something for this weekend?
“Of course, buy that book. And drink a Sauvignon and enjoy yourself.”
Robert, about home, television, happiness, and his women
€14,95
Ebook price €7.50
