How to build a grid of opportunities around the world
Metteliva took an improvised trip to the Netherlands to visit and reconnect a fellow Dutch entrepreneur and traveller who owns a family park. In this post she encourages you to connect with people everywhere, and build a grid of oppertunities for yourself around the world.
Last year I met a Dutch guy at a 3-hour bus ride in Thailand. I rolled my eyes at the guy when he got on the bus. I couldn’t believe I was riding 3 hours in a small 10-seat bus with this party freak, dressed in a light pink t-shirt, and with his hair in three upright ponytails. It was like he came straight out of the ugliest beachparty, I imagined. I couldn’t help joke with the guy, and told new passagers that his friends must’ve left him looking this way from his bachelor party…
But the Dutch guy turned out to be an extraordinary person that made me reflect on my own prejudices. The hair-dude wasn’t from an insane beachparty, he just let some girl at the tourist office do ponytails on him for the fun of it. Before his trip he’d agreed with himself to let go and go with the flow while travelling. I rarely meet these independent people, utterly careless about other peoples thoughts.
I loved the free spirit, and connected with the guy. I made sure to ask what he did for a living, and wrote down a website on a small note I kept in my wallet. I decided that I HAD to visit this place ‘Eigen Wijze,’ the name alone, a family park he own and administrate with his family.
So in March I went on an impromptu visit (KLM owed me a credited flight anyways), and spent a couple of days in Lelystadt outside of Amsterdam. I didn’t do much other than sleep, read, and enjoy the very flat countryside – that was all I needed this time. In fact I’d never seen land that flat in my life. Very calming for the eyes and mind.
In my head I visualize a grid I’m building around the world. With my longing for travelling and work, and the opportunity to go places whenever I want to, this opportunity to expand my worldwide network was perfect. Now I have another good friend abroad, and I consider my trip an investment. Next time I go to Netherlands, it will be (more) like a walk in the park.
I can only urge you to connect with the people you meet too. Take a look at my previous post about networking here, if you want inspiration on how to do start.
In order to connect with people, make sure to keep your word, and seal the connection by visiting or emailing now and then, especially with other entrepreneurs.
If you also want to visit the flattest part of Netherlands to work or relax, I highly, strongly, sincerely recommend Eigen Wijze, meaning “Own Way”. My Dutch friends name is Han Van Wegen, and he promised me the website will be available in English one day.
Next time I visit Eigen Wijze, it will be to write my book, and stay in one of the houses with the canoes. Or I’ll stop by with my friends during that European Roadtrip I keep talking about. The place is originally suited for groups, and would be perfect for an intensive workcamp during weekdays, with a rewarding end in Amsterdam only 1 hour away.
And Han: You are most wellcome in Copenhagen any time you like. That is my idea of connecting with the great people I meet.
