'I have just finished my training as an independent working host and am now back at Van der Valk, having previously done an internship there. I always try to have a chat with all the guests, and notice quickly enough whether someone needs one or not. Some guests come for drinks three or four times a week. I often know exactly where they sit and what they want to order. For example, a man comes every week to charge his electric car. And while he waits, he drinks a decaf cappuccino. I prepare it for him as soon as he arrives. I like making a cappuccino best anyway. You can make the most beautiful figures with the milk foam. I'm not very good yet, but the more I practice, the better I get. When a guest is satisfied, it gives me a feeling of satisfaction and appreciation. I don't have to think about the best moment for a second. One afternoon, three guests ordered coffee and cake. When I brought it to them, they saw my name tag. It turned out I had the same name as their brother, whom they had just buried that afternoon. They told me that to them that felt very special and at that moment "complete. I didn't really know how to react, but it touched me. And still does. Besides the nice contact with guests, it is also very pleasant to chat with my colleagues, both about work and private matters. I always laugh when one of my colleagues drops by the bar every half hour. It's nice for a chat, of course, but the fact that there are always a few bowls of saltines and chips on the bar also helps, of course.'

This work has made me an even bigger chatterbox

'I once started here as a dishwasher. That was fun too, but working as a waiter is a lot more social. I really like that aspect of my job. Working in the hospitality industry has made me even more of a chatterbox. And that works out well in this business, because a lot of people like to chat. I want to give the guests a good time, which is really the most important thing for me in my job. A lot of business guests come to the hotel, but I also see a lot of self-employed people who enjoy working here. After they've been a few times, I already know what they want to drink. Then they don't even have to tell me. They can work here quietly while I put the drink in front of them. Then when I see someone smiling, that makes me happy too. I hope guests feel at home here. One of the craziest things I experienced in my job was a woman who stood in our bar wearing a very long fur coat. She stood in front of me and my colleagues and opened her coat like that, wearing only a thong and some kind of bra underneath. That was kind of, um, unusual, haha. Anyway, it made us laugh. Anyway, working with my colleagues is super fun. We have become real friends. That is another plus of my job.

'Since I was sixteen I have been working in the hospitality industry, so I can say I have a lot of experience. I like the fact that I am constantly on the move while working. If I had a job where I had to sit still all the time, I would go crazy. It also does me good when I see that people get happy when you serve them a nice drink. I prefer to prepare a gin tonic. That looks so cozy with a slice of lemon or orange. The same goes for coffee with whipped cream. It immediately makes you happy. I also really enjoy meeting different people. I am always amazed at the personal stories people tell when they sit at the bar. Some really tell their whole life story. But of course I can't say anything about that, that's the bartender's secret... Working in the hospitality industry also gives you a lot of people skills. I can tell when someone is cheating. I don't know exactly what that is, but I can pick them out right away. I like to make people happy. Last summer our terrace was full, it was really busy. A woman said to me: "Wow, you can see that you like this work. And you do it really well." For a moment I didn't know what to say. It was so nice to hear that my hard work was seen. That makes me feel good. There are also a lot of regulars here, often older people, who come every week on the same day. They order the same drink, know exactly how much to charge, and always tip the same amount. That's cute, isn't it?

I can just tell when someone is cheating