Journalist | Editor | Chairperson | Germany expert / correspondent | in Hilversum & Berlin
Ulrike Nagel: We’re allowed to go out again!
From movie theaters to swimming pools: “We’re going to make it a party”
UTRECHT PROVINCE – We’re allowed to go out again! Movie theaters, theaters, swimming pools, museums, casinos, restaurants—they all couldn’t wait for today. And of course, that goes just as much for their visitors. With today’s easing of restrictions, summer is truly beginning for many people. Ulrike Nagel checks in.
Open Again
In our province, too, many doors are being opened again with enthusiasm. Read here what’s been happening behind those doors over the past few months and what the plans are for the summer.
Ulrike Nagel on a Botter RTV Utrecht
Sold-out auditoriums at the Louis Hartlooper Complex
The Louis Hartlooper Complex in Utrecht has been a popular arthouse cinema for years. But here, too, the theaters have been quiet since last December. Having guests back feels almost surreal. “That’s when you realize just how much you’ve missed it,” says Roos Stelling.
Choosing which films to screen was quite a puzzle. “You’re starting from scratch. It’s hard to predict which screenings will be successful.” But they managed it—tonight’s screenings are sold out.
Bosbad Leersum Hopes for a Great Summer
Jan Overweel of the Bosbad in Leersum can walk through the village again with a sense of relief. Lately, people of all ages have been asking him frequently when the pool would reopen. Today, he says with satisfaction. “You just want the pool to be accessible to everyone again.”
With a capacity of 1,500 visitors, there’s plenty of room, but reservations must be made in advance here as well. Overweel does note, however, that season pass sales are still lagging. “People are waiting a bit longer before buying a season pass.” He hopes that a great summer with fewer and fewer restrictions will bring in more and more visitors.
Cast Off in Bunschoten
Anyone who doesn’t want to sit still is welcome aboard Jaap van Dijk’s botter. That’s because skippers in Bunschoten are now allowed to take passengers again. Van Dijk has given his boat a thorough overhaul. Parts have been replaced, and the whole thing has been freshly painted.
That did cost quite a bit of money—especially at a time when earnings were low. “We had to chip in,” he says. “It did take a chunk out of our savings.” Fortunately, the Prince Bernhard Fund stepped in with a grant.
Ulrike Nagel of RTV Utrecht on a Botter
Anyone wanting to take a sailing trip on the Eemmeer certainly has plenty of room. Van Dijk now takes a maximum of 8 passengers, instead of 12. With the beautiful weather we’ve had these past few days, the desire to get out on the water has only grown. “It’s as if nature is saying, ‘Come on, let’s go again.’”
