Even about smoking on the terrace

On that one summer day of the week, your editorial team went out for lunch. Around the corner, they make such a nice tuna melt sandwich, you throw every diet prompt out the window for that. Except for Kieks, of course, Steve, except for Kieks, who had the grilled vegetables with falafel. But since it was almost 20 degrees, we had lunch outside. The first thing I did was remove the ashtray from the table. I used to let them bring it over. The difference should be clear.

Since I quit smoking, I notice smokers a bit more. I see myself in them. Running away from the table between the main course and dessert, lingering by the door of a bar to quickly have one ’on the go’, saying in the middle of a conversation that you'll be right back. But in one thing, I still think like a smoker, and I actually hope this stays that way. ‘Huh, what?’ you might think. Smoking on a terrace.

You're right: smoke doesn't smell nice if you don't smoke yourself (I say this politely, because it really stinks), but let's not forget that the smoker has been sitting on that terrace all winter. When we finally dare to come outside again, sheltered from the wind in the sun, we are actually entering their territory. It's just as much ours as it is the smoker's, but do we really have to sit there waving, coughing, and sighing over those few square meters? I don't think so. And honestly: smoking is still allowed outside, no matter how unhealthy it is.

May is currently lounging in Dubai, so I suggest we take a cue from the Emirates in this regard. There, you simply choose smoking or non-smoking on the terrace, just like we used to do indoors. Seems like a great solution to me. Smokin’ sounds way hotter, admit it. And until then, just sit upwind of the smokers, then you won't have any trouble.