The best thing about driving

On weekends, I often drive a lot towards the south. Just hiding away with family and friends; at this time of year, I find that perhaps even cozier than usual. Fireplace on, candles, bottle of red wine, a blanket around me, and maybe a cheese fondue on the table. But as much as I love being there, that mini road trip in that direction is at least as essential for a lovely weekend.

Packed and loaded, we get in, a small suitcase per person, because you never know what the evening will bring. Fits perfectly in the trunk. In the car I quickly link my playlist to the system, because who knows, we might sing along to a nice tune on the way and off we go. During such a small road trip, we always go through our lives a bit. Now that we are buying a house, we have a lot to discuss. I calmly steer us onto the road.

Along the Vecht, a bit of A2, near Utrecht towards Rotterdam and then via the A29, where I nod briefly to my birthplace, Brabant. We do get a bit of wet snow, a gust of wind from the right on the bridge, and a heavy shower, but everything is subjected to a thorough winter check, so safe and nothing to worry about. Once in the cozy Bergen op Zoom I maneuver her easily into an impossibly squeezed parking spot at the Mineurplein.

I stay in the car for just a little while longer. Nice and warm on the backside, because outside you get blown out of your jacket and every memory of a model from your haircut is raining down. A little ride added, our lives reviewed a bit, and still enjoyed singing along. And that while it seemed for a moment as if I was just going to drive.

Do you wish yourself those smooth rides too? You can be on the road with your new Renault TWINGO within two (!) weeks. You'll have just as nice weekends as I do. I'm just saying.