30 December 2016

Begijnhof


Postcard sent by Heleen (the Netherlands). It shows the Beginhof, in Breda.

A hof or hofjie is (according to the sender and the Wikipedia):
(...) a Dutch word for a courtyard with almshouses around it. They have existed since the Middle Ages. A hofje provided housing for elderly people (mostly women). (...) The U-shape of hofjes was most likely inspired by the (older) begijnenhofjes (groups of small houses inhabited exclusively by religious women).
It seems that some hofjies are still in use, were elder people live together and take care of each other. Speaking on the elders... I added this post to Maria's link party Postcards for the Weekend, for the theme Time.

12 comments:

  1. What an original view on the theme!

    And thank you for posting, Begijnenhofjes have such a special, quiet, relaxed atmosphere!..
    Rather recently I coincidentally visited a hofje in Amsterdam, close to the busy place Spui (I was with someone who knew the place - and many tourists appeared to know it, too - while I never had noticed the door at Spui, which, when opened and when I entered, offered an oasis of quietness in the urban speedy surroundings.

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    1. I believe that they are special places. I like a lot this postcard, thank you!

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  2. Agree with Heleen! It's a very original take on the theme. I'm so grateful for all the postcards you've shared for the linky and the lovely comments you've left in my page for 2016. I wish to continuously have your participation in 2017! Happy new year!

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    1. I'm looking forward to participate, Maria.
      Happy New Year to you, too!

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  3. In the UK we have Sheltered Housing which is a group of residences for elderly people with a warden who keeps an eye on the places and is linked to an alarm system for emergencies. Quite often these were in a U shape but now they are less obvious.

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    1. I guess this is different in Spain, and doesn't exist (yet?) in Morocco.

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  4. Wouldn't really mind spending my old age in surroundings like that ;) ... Here in Sweden, the trend nowadays is that old people should remain in their own home as long as possible - which has led to shortage of sheltered housing and too many people forced to live on their own for longer than they'd wish, and without enough help... (sigh)

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    1. The same trend (started by government's policy) is the case in the Netherlands!..

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    2. Also in Spain, they are few places for people who need them :(

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  5. Hi Eva, I'm at that point in life where looking at the options ahead is becoming more and more important. Seeing the hofjie on your card is quite interesting. Not only is the concept of a hofjie intriguing but so is your expansion of the theme, time/clock. I love it! I just noticed the themes for January and it looks like I'll be OK with them, especially the one on the 28th. :-) I am really enjoying your blog and happy to have found it.

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    1. I'm glad that you like it. I like especially this postcard, and when I receive it, the link party's theme came immediately to my mind. It's never too soon to think of the future.

      Me too, I hope I will participate most of the weeks in Maria's link.

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Thank you for coming. All your comments make me extremely happy.