Sure, I am Always Talkin’ Food, but I work as a volunteer Dutch language teacher for Ukrainian refugees on the side. For privacy reasons the names in these columns are fictitious.
She is already there when I arrive at the library. Vanessa, voluntary representative for Ukrainian refugees with the Red Cross organization.
She calls herself “Princess”, and frankly, she looks like one with her immaculate make-up, luscious hair, golden accessories and sparkly clothes.
A princess straight from a fairytale.
Were it not…
I ask, as usual, in Dutch how things are going. Vanessa looks at me desperately. Then she starts talking in English, stumbling over her words.
She won't say much in class today, she tells me. I better not ask her anything.
’What happened?’ I ask anyway.
Her ten-year-old son has been at school in Amsterdam for a few weeks now. A class especially composed for Ukrainian children. He, who would rather spend the entire day on his mobile phone, was suddenly eager to go to school.
He had friends again. Amsterdam wasn't so bad after all.
This week he came back from school with blood on his face from a big cut in his cheek.
Turns out one boy terrorizes the whole class. He strikes out at everyone.
All the parents have begged the school board for a solution.
Because things can't go on like this. Not for anybody. Suddenly ending up in a war and having to flee hearth and home is traumatic enough for any person. Let alone for a fragile child. One who likely needs special care.
Vanessa sighs.
The other students arrive. I start class by asking everyone as usual: 'Hoe gaat het?’ (How are you?)
When it’s her turn, Vanessa holds my eyes for a moment.
Then the Kyiv princess shakes her golden locks as she answers: ‘Geweldig.’ (great)
Comfort food
Food=comfort. And no better comfort food than something oily, or with loads of carbohydrates, such as pasta or bread. Focaccia Genovese ticks both boxes. It’s a version of the famous Italian oily bread that has a soft top, and is covered with onions, olives, or - when in season - zucchini flowers. Even if only for a moment, the sun will start to shine when taking a comforting bite.
Focacceria, Overtoom 445 Amsterdam. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 11 AM-6 PM.