They grew up together as neighbors in Kerkstraat. But it was only years later, at the Rijper Ice Club, that the friendship between Piet and Harry blossomed. “We form a unity and complement each other perfectly.” Piet thinks of it with his head and is the great animator, and Harry makes it with his hands and corrects Piet where necessary.
Piet doesn’t want to say it out loud, but he reluctantly admits that his friend Harry and he are together the Rijper Ice Club. Without this duo, not much would happen in De Rijp. The ice club not only takes action during severe frost, but the club also organizes local parties such as King’s Day every year. And although the friends are the driving force behind the club, Harry emphasizes that they cannot do it without the other board members.
Piet and Harry can ‘read and write’ with each other but remain down-to-earth in their close friendship that has lasted more than forty years. They need each other, but they don’t do everything together. “I certainly don’t watch football with Harry,” says Piet, “I support Feyenoord and Harry is from that other club.” His love for the Rotterdam club goes so far that he named his boat after Feyenoord.
The friendship between Piet and Harry mainly revolves around the ice club. Making sure everything is ready in case King Winter makes his appearance. According to ‘weatherman’ Piet, it will certainly work this winter. “I think we can hit the ice in January.” If that happens, it can be done with the light poles for which Harry has made new foundations in the water.
The friendship between Piet and Harry is mainly experienced with the head, there is less room for emotions. “Piet isn’t much of a cuddle guy,” Harry notes with some nostalgia. “I think it’s a shame that he doesn’t show his emotions and waves everything away.” Piet hears it with a broad smile. And once Piet and Harry confirm their friendship with tile wisdom, the question remains whether there is still room for a big hug.
Who is your bestie?
We have hundreds of friends on Facebook, but there is only one Bestie: your very best friend who you can always count on, with whom you can laugh uncontrollably, share joys and sorrows and with whom your secrets are safe.
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