About myself
I love to read, especially books on philosophy, history, international politics, and of course, fiction. I like to read the works of Dutch writers and other Central European philosophers. I also read the works of Abai. I like to learn something new, and love to write. I hope in a few years when I have more free time, I will dedicate my life to self-development.
One of my favorite books is the Bible as I'm Catholic. I like books by French writers Marcel Proust's "In search of lost time" and Michel de Montaigne "Experiments", where he describes his life, what is important to him. This book is my lifelong companion, I would recommend it. I like to reread books as well. I recommend for both adults and youth to read the book of Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor, "Meditation", where he talks about his life as an Emperor and a man. From this book you can learn a life lesson involving family values, politics. This work is still relevant and you won't notice a huge time difference.
I put a lot of work, yet I’m still full of energy, so I like to play sports. I go swimming, tennis, like to ride a bike. Despite the fact that I am 65 years old, I feel 40.
My main life principle is to remain an optimist, family and work. I'm a little conservative in terms of family, so it's important for me that my wife lives here with me. I have two daughters and a princess granddaughter who lives in the Netherlands.
The most important thing is to stay positive, and I do.
About Astana
I’ve lived in Astana for almost three years as an Ambassador of the Netherlands to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. I was also the representative of the Netherlands at Expo-2017.
I started my career as a lawyer in the Hague. Then I worked as a Secretary at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi, I returned to Holland and worked for a long time in the Ministry of Economy. Then I was appointed as a Deputy Director for the Middle East, the Ambassador at the head office of NATO in Brussels, then a Consul General in Vancouver, Canada, and then I became an Ambassador in Kazakhstan.
I was a member of the expert Commission that examined the work of the embassies around the world. The General Secretary told me to come to Astana because they needed a person to head the Embassy. I told that my wife, and she was very surprised. We opened the map to see the location of Astana, and decided to come here. So here I am!
My wife and I were very happy with our move, as this is a completely new country and city. Everything was done well. I don’t regret my choice and I'm glad my wife came with me.
Astana is quite different from any city in Europe. I remember being impressed when I just got off the plane, and they took me to the hotel. The architecture of the city is simply beyond imagination. My wife and I had read about Astana, but being here is completely different.
I was also pleased to discover the old town, which was called Tselinograd. Astana is a mix of new and old. I like the Ishim river that separates two completely different parts of the city. Astana is attractive due to not only buildings, but people. In order to feel the city, you have to come here.
Beshbarmak, kumys, pilaff, a yurt — all of these is new to me. I was pleased to learn the culture of the country. Recently the mayor of the city invited me to lunch, which was held in a Yurt, I liked that so much.
I think that anyone coming to this city get the same impression, whether it is winter or summer. This city is amazing. When people think about the second coldest capital of the world — Astana, Siberia comes to mind with the cold of -40 °C, but it is not true. It is cold here, but at the same time, the sun shines brightly. I'd recommend to visit Astana in February.
Kazakhs are hospitable and tolerant. This is very important. Many people are polite, adhere to the formalities and hierarchy. In Holland we don't often do that.
Many people are surprised when they see me riding a bike around the city. But for the Netherlands it’s a usual thing. I hope that in Astana the culture of the bike will also develope. I'm a fan of this form of transport, especially on the weekends.
Caring people and their life inspiration
I am inspired by my family, the people who work for the state. I never wanted to be a businessman, I wanted to work for the good of the state, because I love my country and proud of it.
I was born and raised in the Hague, and plan to move back there after the end of the term as an Ambassador. I love my hometown, which is near the sea.
I am inspired by teamwork, because you can get a great result. I like to inspire young people, and this is one of my main goals. I want them to wish to serve the country as much as I wanted to serve my state. I will continue to work for society even when I turn 100 years old.
I am proud that I am a family man. I hope my wife thinks I'm a good husband, my daughters think I’m a good father and a good grandfather. Hope I’m a successful Ambassador, I’m proud of my career. Looking back, I'm proud of what I achieved. I am not the Minister and not the President, but I have reached great heights.
Current state of mind
I'm not about to retire. I will start a new life. I’ll have more time to spend with grandchildren, to travel, to study philosophy. For 65 years I’ve just lived, but now I want to understand what life is. I think many people of my age must think about this, about the lessons they have learned, and to share experiences with the younger generation. Maybe that's what I'll do. I don't want to tell them what to do, but if they want to discuss something, I will always be happy. Many people are scared of retirement, because they don’t think of anything except work.
I'm totally happy. I lived a happy life and don't regret the things and mistakes I did. Now I feel calm, I’m in harmony. I am ready for new challenges and full of energy. I feel that I am in my plate.
