Turning 50 is a pretty big deal in the Netherlands. I’ve often seen signs of it in Amsterdam and around the country – family and friends decorate the house of the one celebrating with festive bunting, banners and balloons emblazoned with “50”, and sometimes prominent, inflated figures on the front lawn! The birthday person is referred to as ‘Abraham’ or ‘Sarah’, a custom that celebrates the wisdom gained over fifty years, and is expected to throw a party (and foot the bill). This is how I celebrated my 50th birthday in Amsterdam.

When I ushered in 2022, I remember my thoughts drifting to the ‘milestone’ ahead and the pressure of planning something special. I had nine months to plan my 50th birthday. In the months that followed, countless ideas and plans were formulated and