Netherlands > Sleeping in the Hospital

The weather forecast for the coming weekend is excellent. That’s perfect because we’re going for a weekend trip to Deventer. The past few weeks have been mostly changeable, with rain almost every day. On the way to Deventer, it’s clear that more people are heading out this weekend. The Friday afternoon rush hour is busy. At quarter to six, we drive the car into the city parking garage in Deventer. From the garage, it’s about a ten-minute walk to the hotel on Nieuwstraat. The hotel is housed in the former St. Joseph Hospital. In 1751, a rectory was built on this site. The sisters helped poor people, even when they were sick. Gradually, the building took on the function of a hospital. In 1897, it was decided to build a new hospital. Later, the building served various purposes until it was converted into a hotel in 1998.

Netherlands - The former hospital is now a hotel

It’s nice to stay overnight in such a historic building. The receptionist explains how to get from the hotel to the Brink, assuring us there are plenty of restaurants there. We quickly follow her directions. Due to current corona measures, eating is only allowed on terraces, and terraces must close by eight o’clock. When we arrive at the Brink, we see a square full of terraces. On the right is the Waag building; on the left, the Wilhelmina Fountain. The terraces look full. Especially on the east side, where the sun still shines on the terraces, there doesn’t seem to be a free spot. Many tables on the west side are also reserved. At the second terrace, we’re lucky—there is exactly one table available. While we enjoy our meal, we watch people walking by on the Brink. At quarter to eight, the waitress comes to ask if we want to order anything for the last round. The terrace must close at eight o’clock. After dinner, we walk toward the Waag. The Waag building is one of the city’s most important historic buildings. It was built in 1528 with the remnants of two forts that once stood on the other side of the IJssel River. All goods that used to be brought to the market square were weighed in the Waag. Today, the building houses the historical museum. Right behind the Waag is the “Three Herrings” guild house from 1575. The merchants of the Schonenvaarders met here. We continue walking to the bank of the IJssel. The arched bridge over the river reflects in the gently rippling water. The sun is setting on the horizon. Young people sit along the quay. Some have brought their own drinks. They don’t seem too concerned about all the corona measures. We leave the quay and return to our hotel. In the room, we pour a glass of wine and watch a movie.