I'm walking through a deserted Maastricht. It's like a curfew has been imposed.
Everything is wet and dark, not a dog in the street.
Well, apart from my own dog.
I can smell a wood fire somewhere – someone nearby has just lit their fireplace.
In some homes, there's a Christmas tree with pretty lights on. The lucky ones who managed to get hold of a tree.
It could well be the start of a lovely Christmas story.
But there's little cause for nice Christmas stories.
The Netherlands is in lockdown.
It's logical that there are no dogs in the street. We have to stay inside.
After the Prime Minister's speech, I think Adrem should also close. We are, after all, not a shop selling essential items.
We will be closing our branches.
However, I'm not entirely sure if we should close. If garages are allowed to help get your car running again, we can also provide you with a car if your own car can no longer be fixed.
As soon as the government website is accessible again, I'll call straight away.
The official I finally get through to after a long wait actually doesn't know either.
I'm reminded of that gingerbread advert from a few years ago. There's a man, bare-arsed, in a red English phone box. When his wife asks him on the other end of the line where he is, he says: "Yeah, I don't actually know either…"
I hope the official on the phone is properly dressed. You never know now that almost all of the Netherlands is working from home. In any case, he advises me to call BOVAG.
According to BOVAG, car rental falls under business services, and we can continue to rent out cars and vans. Even if you are a private individual.
We can help 1 customer at a time.
Normally, I don't like people who pretend they are our only customer.
But with this lockdown, I'm happy to make an exception.
Book feel free to car or delivery van. Ask on the phone for a quiet time to pick up your car or bus.
Then collect your car from one of our branches in Maastricht, Sittard of Heerlen.
Then we'll pretend you're our only client.
Don't tell anyone!
Soon you won't be the only one...
