On Wednesday, October 9, I get in the car and drive from Amsterdam to Den Helder. Truus van den Berg welcomes me there warmly. The now 79-year-old Helderse does not mince her words and is very clear about what she does and does not want. I like her direct and open way of communicating and we have a nice click.
Further on, Tesfu is working quietly and diligently together with Raymond Groen. The owner of Loods 39 says that he wishes Tesfu all the best, but at the same time admits that he is afraid of losing him. Good welders are hard to find. With a wink, Groen says that it is better for his company if Tesfu does not do so well in the marathon.
Political refugee
With camera in hand, I take images of Tesfu from all angles and positions. He does his work undisturbed and a little later he talks candidly to the camera about his difficult years as a political refugee. Tesfu fled Eritrea at a young age. He does not like life as a soldier in the country of dictator Isaias Afewerki.
Through a bizarre journey through Ethiopia, Sudan, the Sahara and a life-threatening boat trip, Tesfu reaches Italy as a teenager. He then travels to Den Helder without a train ticket.
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