Selection: Memories of my Youth

I've been exploring my past, not just my family, but also my school years.

I have used schoolbank.nl to track people down. Today I found my first girlfriend, Bella M. I don't remember much about my first love, except for walking along Gouda's canals, and on weekends taking the German Shepherds for a walk. Still nice to learn that she's married, has 2 children and still likes to walk the dogs.

My love life has been dull by some standards. After Bella, I met Cecile and finally married her in 1970. That will be 37 years on September 30th...

And I'm beginning to trace more school mates, even from elementary school. Very interesting. 

Forty years ago today, I graduated from highschool in Gouda, The Netherlands.

Back then, there were no grad parties or ceremonies. You just graduated or did not. The final exams were oral exams on a fine Saturday morning. About half an hour after the last exam, there were announcements whether you "made it" or not. Riding my bicycle home was indeed a joyous journey. Not having a phone in the house, the family was waiting for my arrival with anticipation.

A couple of hours later, a bunch of classmates arrived on mopeds to extend congratulations.