What brings you to Amsterdam?
I just love the city. There are 1000 things to do every day and I love the diversity of the city. I frequently run into this man, wearing only a g-string, who travels around on his inline skates. I love that we have the freedom in Amsterdam to just do the thing that suits you.
How long have you stayed at Zoku Amsterdam and what were your thoughts?
I was a
long stay resident at Zoku Amsterdam for six weeks when I relocated to Amsterdam. I explored the local neighbourhood using a 5k running route I found on the Zoku app, and the team put on community dinners and community events for residents, which made me feel at home instantly. I also met my best friend Julia there – she was staying in the Loft next to mine and was also new to the city, so we bonded straight away! Concepts like Zoku make you realise the world is your oyster: that it’s not that scary after all to move to a new city and start your life from scratch. I often take visiting friends for a coffee or a drink on the Rooftop Terrace, to show them where my Amsterdam story began.
What’s a life-changing song, film, event or book you’d like to recommend to others?
Wow, big question –
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, is an outstanding book, because it helps you identify the negative impact that the little voice in your head can have. I’ve always been fairly positive, and those who are not as much can really gain from this book. It provides tips on how to find inner calm, and how to change your perspective on life around you, for the good. Also,
Lucky Man by The Verve is a cracking song – “I’m stood here naked with a smile on my face, feel no disgrace!” What a line…
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
Go easy on yourself in your 30s. Perhaps do a sit up or two. Drink more water. Get some sleep. Learn an instrument. Things will get easier. Things will get harder. Nothing in life is that serious when you consider the big picture. Oh and shave off that fuzz from under your lip.
Which book/product have you gifted the most?
Ok don’t judge me here…but the album
Purpose by Justin Bieber (ideally the acoustic version). It’s actually been somewhat of a spiritual guide for me the past few years, and it’s helped me find my passion and purpose in life more than I could have ever dreamt!
Has your time at Zoku Amsterdam helped you in business of in life?
Being on the road as much as I am, it’s difficult to find comfortable, accommodating, affordable housing everywhere I stay. Zoku Amsterdam has made my life easier outside the opera house while I’ve been here. I’ve made new friends and I actually feel like a member of the Zoku family. It’s made it a better experience to do my job singing in front of 1700 people each night at the Dutch National Opera.
