Sunny Skies and Circus Tricks in the City.
In 2007, life threw us a lifeline.
After nearly a decade of struggling with our business in Holland—and teetering on the edge of yet another bankruptcy in 2006—salvation came out of nowhere.
In September, an old student of mine approached us with an unexpected opportunity: creating a program for the government to help unemployed people.
A government contract meant actual money, something we desperately needed. Naturally, we jumped at the chance.
Our pilot program in September was such a hit that the government quickly signed us on for seven more workshops in 2007, paying us upfront—€250,000.
That’s right, a quarter of a million euros!
For us, it felt like hitting the jackpot.
Suddenly, we weren’t just surviving; we were thriving.
But newfound wealth can be a double-edged sword.
We had no clue how to manage such a significant sum and didn’t want to be the business equivalent of lottery winners who blow it all.
Neither Yoni nor I came from families with experience in handling large sums of money.
Hard work and modest means were what we knew. The only person I could think of for advice was my uncle Brian, who made his fortune in the 70s with a chain of drugstores in the UK.
So, we decided to turn this into a family adventure—a long weekend in London with Thom, combining some fun with a little financial wisdom from Brian.
London greeted us with the kind of weather you only dream of in spring: sunny, warm, and perfect for exploring.
For Thom, it was her first time in the city, and I think that trip sparked something in her that shaped her future.
Since neither Yoni nor Thom are big fans of history, we skipped long museum tours and castles, limiting ourselves to admiring landmarks from afar.
Instead, we dove headfirst into the vibrant, lively parts of the city. We wandered along the South Bank, marveling at the living statues and street performers, and on Saturday, we hit Covent Garden, where the endless street performances entertained us for hours.
Sunday was dedicated to our family visit and some financial advice from Uncle Brian. His wisdom about managing our newfound “treasure” gave us the confidence we needed to make smart decisions.
Afterward, we headed to Kew Gardens, basking in the stunning bloom of flowers and orchids. It was a perfect day to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Throughout the trip, Thom, ever the circus enthusiast, found ways to practice her talents everywhere we went.
Every street fence, pole, and gate became her personal stage for balance tricks and jumps, adding her unique energy to the trip.
By the end of the weekend, one thing was clear: London might not be the place Yoni or I would ever call home, but it was a fantastic city to visit.
And for Thom? She absolutely fell in love.
That trip wasn’t just about financial advice or sightseeing; it was about building memories, cherishing family time, and embracing the magic of a city that turned out to be unforgettable.
