Willem

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Willem

THIS MUSICIAN KNOWS WHERE TO GO FOR GOOD FOOD, GOOD DRINKS AND GREAT LIVE MUSIC

Willem Philipsen (37) is a musician. At the age of 23, he suffered a stroke, which left him partially paralysed and radically changed his life. About this new Willem, version 2.0, he wrote – using one thumb – the book ‘Met de stroom mee’.

Lives: Near Middelland in Delfshaven with his girlfriend Maria and their cats Mennie and Meisje.

Means of transport: His cane, covered in houndstooth fabric today. And his tricycle with one brake on the right. ‘A safe model, but I go fast.’

Question 1 of 6

Where’s a good place to cry if I’m feeling sad?

After my stroke, I could sit and stare at nothing for hours at NRC and Hopper. It was also a place for good conversations with friends. Great acoustics, great coffee, great carrot cake – my comfort food. And I still like to sit on the bench on the Parkkade on the Maas River near Parkheuvel restaurant. The view is breathtaking and at its most beautiful at golden hour when the sun is reflected in the water. There, it’s easy to put your misery into perspective. And uh... My secret tip is the historic Schoonoord private garden on Kievitslaantje in the Scheepvaartkwartier. My Zen place.

I’m looking for a sunny terrace, any suggestions?