English Column by Els Barkema-Sala
One of the many gems of greenery that we are so lucky to have around Oegstgeest, is a place grandly called the Bos van Wijckersloot. It is worth a visit because there is magic and mystery to be found in this green spot, that could more irreverently be called ‘a pocket park’. It makes up for its lack of square meters by having impressively tall trees that reach up to high heaven.
At the entrance there is a lovely sign that helps even those deficient in the difficult Dutch language quickly understand that in this park people are encouraged to wear blue (GOED) rather than red tops and socks (which are clearly a no-no, i.e. FOUT). Of course, anyone who’s lived in Japan long enough knows that blue and green can be interchangeable, whereas red in the midst of greenery just might be too loud or improper (either that, or it may be about the bicycle that must be mounted or walked.)
Anyway, dressed in appropriate blue top, socks and sporty bloomers - into the woods we go. The tune immediately lodges itself in the mind: If you go into the woods today, you better go in disguise.. if you go into the woods today, you’re in for a big surprise… Lo and behold, around the very first corner, there is the next best thing to a teddy bear’s picnic: a smiling tree with giant octopus legs, that looks as though it might walk like a crab or a mega-spider. With the right lighting from behind, it is obvious this tree will be dancing wildly at midnight when the moon is full!
After that marvel you can walk on a little and allow yourself to be surprised at how immersed you find yourself in nature: tree trunks, shrubs, green shoots, moss and dry leaves, insects, tiny creatures, birds - all doing their thing - peace and quiet…
Then, in the midst of an impressive clearing, the sudden shock of a large and strange sculpture: a war memorial. Reading the names of all the people - young and old - deported from here during world war II, the mystery presents itself: that even on a sunny day, that dapples and streaks and dances with sunlight, smiles fade, humour falters, and words ultimately fail…
- 2 maart 2011
