This one is for Pluk.

I remember, end September, I sat with Pluk on our balcony in Leiden. He stared into the sky as it was turning dark and starry. Though it could have been any other night, he must have noticed something different… The next morning we left for Scheveningen.

Pluk would stay at Loes in Scheveningen as I was going on fieldwork. 

In the midst of fireworks and the chaos of the Els Rechts protests my tram was slowly moving towards Loes her house. Pluk was surprisingly at ease with traveling in Public transport, he was just staring out of the window at all the protesters. 

When we arrived at Loes her apartment, I immediately felt good. Pluk also seemed content.

As usual with Pluk, he had no anxiety about his new place and immediately started exploring every corner. Loes, Roos and I started chatting and we talked the entire afternoon. We had a wonderful time. Pluk alternated between sitting with us and walking around his new home. I was happy to see Pluk so at home. When Loes pulled out her liquid snacks, Pluk hesitated for a moment and then devoured this new favourite treat of his.



From October onwards, as I went on fieldwork, Loes and I kept in touch and exchanged updates. She would write the funniest and sweetest letters from Pluk’s perspective. In response, I would update Pluk and Loes on my fieldwork and share pictures from India. 



With photos and greetings from Pluk, Loes, and Floris