And interview with Eva and Anne-Marie – the women behind the Alkmaar weekend workation (24 - 26 May 2019)
Eva and Anne-Marie, it’s the first time you two organize a weekend workation here in Alkmaar. How did you come up with the idea?Anne-Marie: I am passionate about workations – combining work with fun, away from your usual work environment. It can give you so much – inspiration, a different way of working, new energy – plus time to enjoy, relax, and try something new. Eva and I share the love for kitesurfing. And she is great at organizing group events. So we thought: Let’s do something together!Eva: When Anne-Marie and I first talked about organizing an event together it was immediately clear that it should combine all the things we love. We want to share the stoke! For example, I care for a healthy lifestyle and sustainability. For me it’s important to eat healthy and engage with the local community. Anne-Marie: Eva showed me around her favourite places in Alkmaar, like SOEPP and Het Nieuwe Warenhuis and the idea was born! A mini-workation in Alkmaar to try out all the things we love and connect to like-minded people.Sounds amazing. But I am still a bit confused. How does that all come together? What have you planned for the group for that weekend in May?Eva: The weekend consists of three parts: “Work”, “Get the balance” and “Enjoy”. On Friday, we meet for coworking at Het Nieuwe Warenhuis and have dinner together at SOEPP to get to know each other. On Saturday, we spend the day together connecting with the group, exchanging experiences and helping each other. Of course, good food and fun activities are also part of that day. Anne-Marie: And on Sunday we enjoy. Wrap up our learnings and try out some more of the fun activities we offer: Yoga, a city walk, SUP, wakeboarding or kitesurfing – whatever floats your boat. Or something you always wanted to try out. It will be fun with the encouragement and help of the group!Who should join your weekend workation?Eva: Anyone who wants to enjoy a weekend with a group of like-minded people, networking, having fun together, enjoying good food and Alkmaar! On Saturday, we’ll talk about how to make flexwork work. So if you’re a freelancer, part-timer or remote worker – or want to become one, this weekend might be especially interesting for you!Anne-Marie: Agreed. It’s the combination of work and fun. Working on your own personal development, taking some time for yourself. Meeting inspiring people.Where can I sign up? ☺Eva: Just write an e-mail to hello@workation.works. The weekend pass is only 95 Euro. If you need accommodation in Alkmaar, we offer a great package with stay at SOEPP’s beautiful Bed & Breakfast, prices starting from 165 Euro per person for the weekend pass and 2 nights with breakfast.Anne-Marie & Eva: We can’t wait to meet you in Alkmaar on 24th of May!The interview was conducted and edited by Juliette Moulen, writer, UX designer and owner of rippel.nl.
