A sort of homecoming

The Patronaat in Haarlem is one of the finest rock venues in the country. Seven or eight years long it was like a second home to me. I saw a lot of concerts there, professionally and as a fan. And I never felt alone, because whatever concert was going on there would always be someone I knew to share the experience.
Now the strange thing is: as from October – that’s eight months! - I only set foot in the Patronaat once – and that one time wasn’t even to see a show, it was because of some meeting of members of the socialist’s party I had to attend.
Why?
I guess things have changed since I switched jobs and I am no longer a rock journalist but a city hall reporter. I now find my way around politicians instead of musicians. I read bills now instead of listening to new cd’s. Oh, I must say that I do like my new surrounding. It feels good to write about what’s going on in the city. Although I do know that city hall will never feel as familiar as the Patronaat ever did.

Did I have to stop going to that great place? Did not going there for eight months have anything to do with the Patronaat’s new accommodation since September? No. Not at all.
I think I needed to stay away for a little while. I think I was afraid to miss my old job to much.
Anyway, yesterday I was back. I saw a great concert of Calexico and had a lot of fun. It felt good. It felt like a homecoming.