You’ll just see: on the day that many schools do not even open their doors due to storm Ciarán, the local postmen are saddled with extra ballast. Because code orange or not: the ballot papers for the House of Representatives elections must be delivered today.
They take to the road again today like modern pack mules: the postal workers. With fully packed bags and a rain suit on, on the way to thousands of mailboxes. While cycling, they brave the gusts of wind as if they were not there and walk cheerfully through driving rain.
An unexpected smile behind a sad Hoorn image. Mariëtte Manshanden from Hoorn, walking in the storm and rain, cannot be defeated. She has just finished her neighborhood in the Kersenboogerd. She is soaked and her glasses are fogged up. “My chain flew off, so I had to walk the last part,” he said cheerfully. “Luckily I live nearby.”
Deserted cycle path
The Zwaagdijk-West cycle path was deserted on Thursday afternoon. Secondary school students are already safely at home due to the adjusted school times and the weather is not suitable for a fun bike ride. So Debby Roos stands out even more – in her bright orange coat. “Are you bothered by the storm? It is indeed quite windy, but I have a crosswind, so it’s not too bad. I’m going even faster than usual!”
As if the conditions today weren’t tough enough, she is extra packed. In addition to the regular letters, she received hundreds of ballot papers. Delivering it is not a point of discussion. Not even for Debby. “It’s important mail, so it has to be sent today. They have thought that out well,” she says with a wink.
Text continues below the photo.
Mariëtte also delivered many. “At some addresses you only have one, at the next house there may be three or four. But I was lucky, because I was helped by a colleague.”
There was advice to work from home, students were allowed to stay at home or were sent home early. But the postmen? They just take to the streets. “It is now ‘only’ code orange, which is not too bad. Only when code red do they go into conclave,” says Debby. Storm or not, she happily continues her route. “This is my regular neighborhood, full of nice people. I’m also taking over a piece from my colleague, who is free this week. So I’ll be busy for a while.”
A few kilometers further on, Mariëtte picks up her bicycle. On the way home in the pouring rain and occasionally treated to a strong gust of wind. And then that damn necklace has to be fixed tonight too. “That will be a job for my husband.”