Frans – About me

I’m curious who you are!

First of all, welcome to my page condor.blog. I’m Frans and I created this website to share things that I find interesting.

You named your page condor.blog, why a Condor?

During my first visit to Peru we went to the Colca Canyon. I was captivated by the dignity of these enormous Condors. They are majestic birds that make a big impression when they fly right over you. From head to tail it is about 1.30 meters long and has a wingspan of 2.70 to 3.20 meters! For the Incas, the Condor was a symbol of the upper world (Hanan Pacha).
For me the Condor has become a symbol of Peru, signifiying my search for answers to important life questions and my ‘animal guide’.

What do you love about Peru?

I have been fascinated by Peru for several years now. My current partner, whom I have known since the end of 2018, is originally from Peru. I have visited the country a number of times. It has become my second homeland. I have taken the people who live there to my heart. Peru has a wonderful variety of culture, nature, but also music and don forget the food. I am interested in the history of the country, especially the pre-Inca (Colombian period). I will definitely write about it on my website, because I love sharing the richness and versatility of the country.

You are looking for answers to important life questions?

At the end of 2023 I came into contact with Stoic philosophy. I was going through a difficult time in my job as a manager and was in danger of being burnout. I didn’t want that to happen. Using the practical activities of modern Stoicism, I gained a different approach to life. That still helps me every day to give my life direction and to shape every day in a good way.
Many people throughout history, and even today, have been looking for answers. I want to participate in that quest, I want to know the answers and contribute to a better life with that knowledge. That is why I started a pre-academic philosophy course at the end of 2024!

You love music and you are creative with computers. What is your greatest passion?

Both have an important place. I can’t live without music. That sounds serious, but music contributes to my emotional depth. I get carried away and can let my emotions run wild. I almost always end with happy music. As Erik Scherder, professor of Clinical Neuropsychology, says: Music has an enormously positive influence on your brain. When you listen to your favorite music, your brain starts to wonder and muse. The network for creativity and new ideas becomes active. I experience those positive effects and music makes me cheerful and happy.

But what about those computers?

Yes, that’s a different side of me. Technology and computers fascinate me. I want to discover what they can do. I mainly write programs, learn how to do it, figure it out and make sure it works. For me, one important sentence always comes first: ‘That has to be possible, right?’ And then I’ll find out if I can make it work. Here on my website I will show examples of things I have made myself. Technical toys in particular can keep me entertained for hours. Away from all other responsibilities, completely in my own world!
I also love fun gadgets, I like to discover and use new technology. They can make life easier. As long as the human contact remains, because you cannot replace that with a computer or screen!

Because human contact is important to you…

Certainly, that is the common thread in my life. I have always worked in healthcare. Started as a nurse, and now for years as a manager and coach. It is nice to contribute in this way to good care for people who need it, often when they do not ask for it at all. It is especially important in that situation that you provide good care. I always promote this in my work, so that everyone individually, but also together in a team, provides the best care.
Real human contact is the best way to work together and help people. Looking each other in the eye and trying to understand what the other is saying. That’s not always easy, but always worth it!

Do you have time for all those things you like?

Actually, a week is not enough to do all the fun things. But I divide it up so that I can always look forward to something. But cooking delicious food every day, starting the day together with a cup of coffee, reading exciting or interesting books and watching fun series or films, I always make time for that.
And of course we regularly sail with our boat through beautiful Amsterdam!