The whole of the school-going Netherlands has free time and it shows: the campsites are full and the caravan sheds are empty. The last caravans are waiting to be picked up at garage owner Hans de Vries from Klazienaveen.
“Left taillight works, right taillight does too.” De Vries stands behind a caravan and checks the lights together with the owner. “Everything works, you can hit the road!”
A row of caravans is still waiting in the parking area. The adjacent shed is empty. A space with a length of 100 meters that is packed with caravans in winter. The caravans are placed inside with the necessary planning and precision.
“Logistically, it’s a puzzle,” says De Vries. “One goes out and the other comes in. We can just put our own cars in it. But then we walk to the door with a restrained stomach.”
For now, most caravans are gone. For De Vries, the moment to sweep and tidy everything up before the holidaymakers return. He himself likes to go out with his wife in the camper.
“We’ve already seen all of Europe. It’s great to have everything with you. When you arrive at the campsite, all you have to do is plug in the plug and the holiday can begin.”
Before that, De Vries waves goodbye to the last customers. “Calm down, have a nice holiday!” The holidaymaker drives off with his thumb up. Leaving an empty spot between the few caravans that are still there.