In the broadcast of Saturday, June 18, 2022, we see how Theo and Jolanda from The Gambia and the Verdonk family from France literally take a look at each other’s kitchen. How did the couples experience it and what do they take with them from this trip?
Update Theo and Jolanda Gambia
Hi hi, we are Theo and Jolanda from Gambia. Did you also enjoy the broadcast ‘Ik Vertrek Even Weg’ with all its intrigue? In any case, we have enjoyed the exchange with Bob, Ruby and the boys and have made some great friends. After this meeting where our hate point, a little free time, social life and missing our family was often discussed, we thought deeply and considered leaving the Gambia after six happy and successful years.
New challenge
By chance we met a spontaneous young couple from the Netherlands who were looking for a restaurant in The Gambia. These people (Aart and Annelies) have taken over our company and will restart TeJo’s Pancake Bar in Gambia in mid-September. We wish them every success with their new challenge.
Just before the Covid we bought a refurbishment house in Spain and the choice to take on our new challenge here was therefore not difficult. Finally we managed to rent a small bar-bistro along the boulevard (seaside) of Rincon de la Victoria. Here we have been busy for the past few weeks cleaning, painting and furnishing to make the Bistro our new home. Through trial and error, both in terms of language and authorities, we are now well on our way to getting used to the Spanish habits.
Of course it will be hard work again, but with a day off, more time with the family and of course on holiday to The Gambia to enjoy the country and all it has to offer.
Greetings Theo and Jolanda
Update Bob, Ruby, Tycho en Kick Verdonk – Riscle
It’s been a while since we were lucky enough to have an exchange of life and land. We look back on it with great pleasure, what an incredibly nice experience this was.
First of all Jolanda and Theo came to stay with us and that was all fun, especially with a few wines! It’s so bizarre how people can click with each other when you’ve never met someone before.
We’ve had a lot of conversations about how we run the restaurant and also make time for life with our boys. I think we have found a very good balance between free time, enjoying our children and hard work. And we shared that with Jolanda and Theo.
And then the day arrived that we traveled to The Gambia. I wouldn’t even know where to start, it made such an impression on us. It is a country with a lot of lovely people, but also with a lot of poverty. Then you realize very well that we have a very different life after all. Tygo and Kick have also realized this very well. It is therefore not possible that we have been able to continue or do something different in our own restaurant, because the difference in life/necessities and products is simply too great.
With that being said, only a lot of respect for Theo and Jolanda who exercise their passion there every day with a smile. I can only say that what we have left is and remains a very good FRIENDSHIP! It was certainly an experience to remember and we never wanted to miss it!
After our beautiful journey we went back to work with full power. The restaurant is still going strong and we are pretty much full every day we are open. After the 1st lockdown, we have chosen to be open from Tuesday to Friday only for lunch and only Friday and Saturday evening à la carte. This allows us to be there on Saturday afternoon when Tygo or Kick has a football or basketball game. Sunday and Monday we have two days off in a row.
That was a very good choice because we can now really relax and enjoy the boys and our house à la campaign. In fact, we can only say that hard work and perseverance are rewarded! Never regretted our adventure for a second and I hope many more years to follow .
The Verdonk family
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