AWC Going Dutch Dec 2018

Proost! Questionnaire
Answers by Debbie van Hees-Cascio
Why are you living in the Netherlands?
I married a Dutchman 33 years ago!
Give us a quick wrap-up of your family
Husband: Ad; Daughters: Anneke (25) and
Emma (23)
What or who is the greatest love of your
life?
My wonderful husband, of course!
What do you enjoy most about the AWC?
Back when: Working in the library in the
old Clubhouse and making life-long friends.
These days I’m not as engaged as I could
be…something to work on.
What do you consider the most overrated
virtue of being an expat?
Hard to say as I ceased being an expat in
1990 when I resigned from the US. Foreign
Service to stay and raise a family. I’m a
citizen of the world now…and quite enjoy it.
What is the quality you most like in a friend?
Loyalty
What is your greatest travel extravagance?
Paying for an extra bag to bring back clothes
that fit from the US. I am a petite person
living in the Land of the Giants.
Which travel experience made you the
happiest?
Our family trip to Marrakech five years ago.
What is your favorite travel purchase?
Noise cancelling headphones
Which locations haven’t been ticked off
your bucket list?
Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Alaska…
there are many.
Where would you most like to live?
Six months in The Hague and six months at
our home in Vermont
Who are your favorite writers?
Paul Theroux and Pat Conroy
Which talent would you most like to have?
To play the piano
What’s your hobby?
Does screen addiction count as a hobby? If
not, tennis and reading.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My mother, who I miss every day, and lately
President Obama, who I also miss every day.
What is your motto?
Let’s get the hell out so we can get the hell
home (from my dad but still in use!).
What constitutes a “perfect” day for you?
The wonderful summer and fall days we
had this year for working in the garden and
walking to the beach every evening
54 GOING DUTCH
DECEMBER 2018 55