How we enjoyed the Plantage Parel walk. We got a behind-the-scenes look at places you normally don’t get to visit and learned more about the organisations and the people behind them.
We started at the Mozes en Aäronkerk on Waterlooplein. It’s a place many people have walked past for years without ever stepping inside. Liene gave us a tour and told us about the history of this Catholic church. In the 17th century, when Catholics were not allowed to practise their faith openly, it began as a hidden church in two houses on Jodenbreestraat. Over the years, it developed into the impressive and richly decorated church that stands there today.
Today, the church is home to the Community of Sant’Egidio, which supports, among others, people experiencing homelessness. Several times a week, volunteers prepare a hot meal here for no fewer than 120 people. We were given a behind-the-scenes look at how this all works.
We also learned that Sant’Egidio largely depends on donations and volunteers for its social activities. A separate foundation has been established to maintain the monumental Mozes en Aäronkerk. The church receives no structural funding for its upkeep and therefore relies on financial support.
You can volunteer with Sant’Egidio or become a Friend of the Mozes en Aäronkerk. In this way, you can help preserve this remarkable church and support the important work being done there.
Next, we visited the nursery garden of De Hortus Amsterdam, which is normally closed to the public. We received a warm welcome from director Carlien Blok, who explained how plants are cultivated here and how seeds are preserved and exchanged with botanical gardens around the world. Upstairs in the greenhouses, Iris van Kleinwee, who specialises in the Cape collection, explained the different conditions plants from all over the world need in order to thrive.
We ended our walk at Huis van de Tijd, where we enjoyed drinks and heard an inspiring story from coordinator Xandra van der Swan about everything they organise for people with a ‘faltering brain’. The focus is not on limitations, but on what people can still do. From tai chi, painting and the Dutch singalong choir to taking public transport together to a museum or the pub. It’s all about taking part, quality of life, few rules and lots of fun.
We were all very impressed. Everyone is welcome to join the courses and activities or simply drop by for a cup of coffee or lunch. Visit the website and learn more about the social approach to dementia.
A big thank you to all the locations for their warm welcome and to everyone who joined us. We’re already looking forward to the next Plantage Parel Walk!
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