Marinke Degen
My name is Marinke. I am a chef, but I call myself a storyteller just as easily. My work revolves around where food comes from and how it grows. Together with my partner I cook on organic farms, using what the land offers at that moment.
From 1 April a new adventure begins. I will be walking the Ziltepad. I want to get to know the Wadden coast better and find out what happens when you are on the move for days on end. I have been walking for years. I know what it is like to be outside for a long time and to trust what you carry with you. On foot you see more. You slow down, look differently and find space in your head.
A journey like this calls for a well-filled rucksack. Inside are snacks I make myself, including fruit leather, thinly dried fruit purée, a journal to write in along the way and a small roll of tape for my feet. That is how I stay sharp and take good care of myself.
Along the way I write in this journal about what I see and what stays with me. I am looking forward to it.
Day 1
Finding a spot
Yesterday, the first leg of the journey, was all about finding my place.
Everything was suddenly different; there I stood in the Nieuw Kerk in Den Helder, surrounded by interested people and 4 strangers with whom I will be traveling for the next 22 days. It all still seemed a bit surreal.
Finding a place within the group: how do you claim space for yourself while also connecting with others?
A place for my backpack—figuratively on my back, but also for all the items inside. How do I find everything again? What is the most logical place so I can grab it quickly?
And a place within myself; I wasn't there yet yesterday. Today, everything is starting to take shape and find its place; strolling alone along the coast creates space.