Meet the People of Amsterdam. Here we will showcase a different Amsterdam native every week. Every Amsterdam native will share a little about their lives during quarantine, sharing their favorite spots, and what makes Amsterdam so special to them. These interviews were done during quarantine. Take it all in. After all, the People of Amsterdam know Amsterdam best. This week: Hansje Lathouwers, PR manager at David Lewis Productions.
How has the coronavirus changed your daily life?
My whole life has been turned upside down, but I think that goes for everyone. Iām working from home and try to stay in as much as possible. I donāt think Iāve ever spent this much time at home, haha. What I find the most difficult about this situation is the social aspect, not being able to meet up with friends etcetera but I try to follow the rules as much as possible so we can go back to normal ASAP.
What things didnāt change?
Even though everything changed I try to keep my daily routine. So, I still wake up every day same time as usual. Iāll do my work out and then I start my workday at the same time I would normally start at the office. By keeping that rhythm I avoid lying in bed all day doing nothing (even though that sounds very tempting sometimes).
Whatās your favorite spot in your home?
Now more than ever Iām super happy with my balcony, I love sitting in the sun sipping some wine, also after six years of living in my apartment I found out that I have underfloor heating in the bathroom so ever since I found that out the bathroom is one of my favorite spots in the house to chill as itās so warm and cozy!
Whatās your experience with working from home?
I always said Iād hate working from home because I get too distracted. But so far, itās going ok I guess. Work for me has been a lot less ever since the outbreak. I work as a PR agent for DJās and our scene is hit very hard due to the virus. All the festivals and shows are cancelled, and we donāt know when everything will be up and running again but we try to make the most out of it!
What is your favorite restaurant to order from?
I canāt live without the imperial rolls from Bo Nam, luckily you can order their food to enjoy it at home. So, if I want to treat myself, Iāll order there!
Did you have any plans that are cancelled now?
I had to go to Miami for work but that was cancelled due to the lockdown and like every summer I had a lot of festivals on the agenda (both for work and pleasure) that are cancelled now. Of course, Iām disappointed about that, but I understand that itās the only way right now to prevent this virus from spreading even more.
We believe in āsupport your localsā. Do you have a store in your neighborhood that you still support?
I often go to the Ten Katemarkt for my fruits and veggies and I love going to the little Moroccan supermarket nearby my house. They have an insanely good baba ganoush and delicious homemade lentil salad!
What is your favorite area to go for a walk these days?
I live in de Baarsjes so all my walks are there. At least once a week I go out for coffee with a friend who lives in the same area. We usually walk down the Kinkerstraat to get a coffee at Lot 61 and then just stroll in the neighborhood.
What restaurant/bar/coffee shop do you miss the most?
I truly miss Friday nights eating at Bo Nam and then dancing at the Chicago Social Club. And I miss having lunch at Homemade, their chicken melt is a great hangover cure haha.
What is the first thing you are going to do when we are out of lockdown?
I canāt wait to enjoy a cold glass of white wine on a sunny terrace with friends or to be back at the office and see all my colleagues in real life again.
How do you keep up with your selfcare from home?
Well I have more free time now, so I work out a lot more than usual and I spend more time on my skincare routine etc. I also sleep a lot more than before as Iām not going out for drinks anymore haha. So those are some positive things this lockdown has brought me.
What cancelled party are you most sad about?
Still really, really, really bummed out that Lowlands got cancelled. Itās my favorite festival and I was really looking forward going again this year, but hopefully next year!
Are you eating healthier because of quarantine or less healthy?
I do eat healthier, normally I eat out more. But because we have to stay home, Iām cooking for myself every night, which I absolutely love! Love to try new things in the kitchen these days.
