I'm Jantien, born in 1987, mom of two boys (2011 and 2015), married to Willem and propietor (together with Willem and our friend Max) of my very own literary cafe in Groningen and owner of a vast number of books which I sell through the internet and in the cafe. We live on a farm just outside the city in our 'communal group', me and Willem and our sons, and Max and Thomas, and our three cats. We have a big garden with fruit trees and a fire place, a great place for long summer nights; alongside a canal which leads to a very beautiful lake, only 15 minutes canoeing away.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To meet people and see places

Interests

Books, Dutch literature, arts, modern dance, politics, philosophy

Music, Movies, and Books

I like very divers music; from Joanna Newsom to Slayer, from classical music (especially piano and violin) to the Talking Heads. I like 'arthouse' movies, nature and historical documentaries, good (socially commited) stand up comedy, writing and reading poetry, and reading (primarily) fiction. I mostly read Dutch literature and poetry, but I also enjoy a lot of good children's books.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The salt mines in south Poland were very impressive, as were the lime stone mines in Belgium, when you think of all the labour that went into it, the people involved. And my visit to Beelitz Heilstätten, near Berlin, a huge abandond hospital complex of nearly sixty very grand buildings; eerie, beautiful, full of history and potential, but totally falling apart.

Teach, Learn, Share

Probably a lot...

What I Can Share with Hosts

A good time on the farm, good company, and the great city of Groningen nearby. It's a very young city - 25% of the inhabitants are students - with a great open atmosphere a lot of culture to offer, like the Groninger Museum and the Stadsschouwburg (City theatre).

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Scotland, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Belgium, Netherlands