Hello Bellie,

When Annabelle had her last internship day with us four years ago, she gave us a gift. We all received a framed quote that said: ‘Today is my favorite day.’ She had hung that text next to her mirror throughout her entire internship period and every day she thought: yes, it is my favorite day because I am going to Amayzine.

Two months after her internship, when a position became available, we all shouted at once: ‘Bellie call.’ And there she was again. With her mischievous smile that filled and lit up the room. With her delicious coffees, funny drinks. Bell who always raised her hand first when someone asked if anyone wanted a glass of wine, Bell who was always up for parties and fun. Also a Bell who underwent enormous development during the four years she worked with us. She became our house photographer, event organizer, and made videos that she edited herself. She also wrote, managed the social media, and breathed Amayzine in everything.

We always said: ‘Until retirement separates us.’ But that was before the many-headed monster called corona peeked around the corner. Our visitor numbers doubled, but the income from collaborations unfortunately did not. Not a unique problem, everyone is dealing with it. Corona affects us all. I tried for a long time to keep the gates to our castle closed and to protect ‘my girls’ from the consequences of corona.

I did not succeed.

Today is the last day of our dearest Bellie.

Today is definitely not my favorite day.