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Harbour Ways
Harbour Ways is the sequel to Watery Ways, Valerie Poore's first memoir about living on a barge in Rotterdam's Oude Haven in the Netherlands. This second book tells of the first two years that she owned her own barge, the Vereeniging, and how she converts it from an empty hull into a home. Told with with Valerie's usual tongue-in-cheek humour, Harbour Ways can be read as a stand alone memoir or as the follow on to Watery Ways.
- GenresMemoir
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 25, 2021
I make no secret of the fact that I love Valerie Poore’s books; both her African series and her bargee books. Harbour Ways follows on from Watery Ways, the first of Val’s series of memoirs set in Rotterdam in the Netherlands where she set up home on a barge after leaving South Africa. In that book, we followed Val first arriving in Rotterdam, buying her beloved Vereeniging, and falling in love.
Harbour ways is the story of Val renovating the Vereeniging, of taking control of her life and her schip. This book struck a particular chord with me as I have undertaken the same journey as Val, albeit on dry land. Our 150-year-old stone farmhouse needed much the same plumbing, insulation, painting and carpentry as the 100 plus year-old Vereeniging. But our endeavours didn’t involve painting on a rocking boat, nor having to fit a bathroom into a tiny space, nor condensation dripping off metal beams, nor water sitting in our bilges (though it did tend to sit in the chimney). We also didn’t have a temperamental 100-year-old engine to coax into life nor a job teaching all day. I really admire anyone who undertakes renovations having been through it but hats off to Valerie Poore for everything she achieves, and especially for her grit and determination battling language issues (been there), macho salesmen (been there), and flooding waterways (not been there!).
Harbour ways is more than just a renovation book. It has the hallmark of Val’s writing; wonderful descriptions of life on the water, of festivals, and of faring the rivers of Rotterdam. Val’s is a wonderful life which I often envy; this book beautifully brings together all its many aspects, good, bad and totally different.
Harbour ways is the story of Val renovating the Vereeniging, of taking control of her life and her schip. This book struck a particular chord with me as I have undertaken the same journey as Val, albeit on dry land. Our 150-year-old stone farmhouse needed much the same plumbing, insulation, painting and carpentry as the 100 plus year-old Vereeniging. But our endeavours didn’t involve painting on a rocking boat, nor having to fit a bathroom into a tiny space, nor condensation dripping off metal beams, nor water sitting in our bilges (though it did tend to sit in the chimney). We also didn’t have a temperamental 100-year-old engine to coax into life nor a job teaching all day. I really admire anyone who undertakes renovations having been through it but hats off to Valerie Poore for everything she achieves, and especially for her grit and determination battling language issues (been there), macho salesmen (been there), and flooding waterways (not been there!).
Harbour ways is more than just a renovation book. It has the hallmark of Val’s writing; wonderful descriptions of life on the water, of festivals, and of faring the rivers of Rotterdam. Val’s is a wonderful life which I often envy; this book beautifully brings together all its many aspects, good, bad and totally different.
March 21, 2014
I think Val Poore is what I call a 'natural writer', in the same way as people like Bill Bryson; she writes about everyday activities and makes them interesting and amusing. This is an innate talent, it's not something you can learn in a creative writing class. I followed the installation of the bathroom on her barge with great interest!
This book is a fascinating glimpse into the life of 'liggers', barge dwellers in Rotterdam. It's a lifestyle I envy, and I adored reading about everybit of it. I'm so glad there were photos in this book, they really added to it as I could see the progression Val was making with her barge (I'm not going to name it right now because it would mean looking up how to spell it!). I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes reading factual accounts of different ways of life, or to those with a particular interest in a watery life - but read her other book, Watery Ways, first, as it will make this one mean more. Loved it, absolutely loved it!
This book is a fascinating glimpse into the life of 'liggers', barge dwellers in Rotterdam. It's a lifestyle I envy, and I adored reading about everybit of it. I'm so glad there were photos in this book, they really added to it as I could see the progression Val was making with her barge (I'm not going to name it right now because it would mean looking up how to spell it!). I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes reading factual accounts of different ways of life, or to those with a particular interest in a watery life - but read her other book, Watery Ways, first, as it will make this one mean more. Loved it, absolutely loved it!
November 30, 2023
Ms. Poore’s writing always touches my heart. Harbour Ways tells us about the renovation of her beloved barge, the Vereeniging, moored up in Rotterdam’s Oude Haven. You might expect such a book to be full of technical words, and perhaps boring explanations, but with this book, it’s quite the opposite. Indeed, she describes many details of the renovation of this classic historic vessel, but with such love and joy that I found myself sad when she made a mistake and had to redo a job, and ecstatic with her when all went well. She always takes me with her on her journeys, be it when she’s faring on the canals, or fixing up her barges.
I love her writing, I really do. It flows and it’s clever: “A rhapsody of rusting rivets and wood rot…” And, “The bank side shrubs and trees were in silhouette: black jigsaw pieces against the velvet blue of the sky. The peace just flowed over us, its soft touch a gentle blanket of something I can only describe as pure joy.” Exquisite, isn’t it!
She’s funny, even hilarious, too. She starts out her book telling us that life on a boat means a lot of one’s belongings are going to end up as sacrifices to the water gods, that is, falling overboard into the canals. It’s the way she describes these episodes that has me in stitches. “The area in question is not quite a crawl space, but it does mean bending double to work underneath it so it’s very hard on my back. Not my strongest point at any time, and I start to feel like the ‘hunched dame of notre boat’.” I stared at those words and realised, of course, hunchback of Notre Dame! See what I mean, she’s wittily funny!
After the renovation is complete, she tells us “the Vereeniging is no longer draughty; it is much warmer in winter, and as a bonus, it looks lovely. “ Hurrah! Well done! I’m delighted right along with the author.
It’s a joy to read her books. You’ll learn much from her about living life on the water. It must take a certain strength of body and character, and Ms. Poore obviously has both, along with her way with words.
I love her writing, I really do. It flows and it’s clever: “A rhapsody of rusting rivets and wood rot…” And, “The bank side shrubs and trees were in silhouette: black jigsaw pieces against the velvet blue of the sky. The peace just flowed over us, its soft touch a gentle blanket of something I can only describe as pure joy.” Exquisite, isn’t it!
She’s funny, even hilarious, too. She starts out her book telling us that life on a boat means a lot of one’s belongings are going to end up as sacrifices to the water gods, that is, falling overboard into the canals. It’s the way she describes these episodes that has me in stitches. “The area in question is not quite a crawl space, but it does mean bending double to work underneath it so it’s very hard on my back. Not my strongest point at any time, and I start to feel like the ‘hunched dame of notre boat’.” I stared at those words and realised, of course, hunchback of Notre Dame! See what I mean, she’s wittily funny!
After the renovation is complete, she tells us “the Vereeniging is no longer draughty; it is much warmer in winter, and as a bonus, it looks lovely. “ Hurrah! Well done! I’m delighted right along with the author.
It’s a joy to read her books. You’ll learn much from her about living life on the water. It must take a certain strength of body and character, and Ms. Poore obviously has both, along with her way with words.
October 7, 2020
Valerie Poore’s ‘Harbour Ways.’
More watery adventures to enthrall you
The sequel to ‘Watery Ways’ continues where the first book ended, with more delightful descriptions and passages about life onboard a barge. Except this barge is more like an empty shell, requiring complete renovation. Add to the mix, an adorable young puppy bent on mischief, and Val’s growing friendship with nearby Koos, and you have all the makings of a great story. I am thoroughly enjoying the writing of this author, who transports you to a wet and challenging watery world and leaves you wanting to read more. Highly recommended.
More watery adventures to enthrall you
The sequel to ‘Watery Ways’ continues where the first book ended, with more delightful descriptions and passages about life onboard a barge. Except this barge is more like an empty shell, requiring complete renovation. Add to the mix, an adorable young puppy bent on mischief, and Val’s growing friendship with nearby Koos, and you have all the makings of a great story. I am thoroughly enjoying the writing of this author, who transports you to a wet and challenging watery world and leaves you wanting to read more. Highly recommended.
May 10, 2014
I can imagine buying an old house and renovating it to bring it back to its former glory. There would be problems found but they could be sorted out by hiring a team of builders and decoraters. I could move into one room and renovate room by room.
What I can't imagine is buying a 104 yr old barge made for carrying cargo and neglected for years and restoring it in a historical harbour by myself.
This is what Valerie Poore did. Her first mistake was to purchase the barge without having it inspected,a bit like buying a house without a survey. On the inspection for insurance purposes after the purchase Val finds she has far more work ahead of her than she had thought.
The first priority was to have a bathroom fitted.This is what Val promised herself after not having one on her rented barge. Wishes don't always come true and a bathroom was one of the last things finished on the barge.
Val is a gutsy and determined woman but at times even she was reduced to a crumbling wreck by the amount of work needing done. It's a slow process and all work done on a barge takes much longer than you expect it too. The limited space means you can't have that team of builders taking care of things.
The Vereeniging is restored slowly and lovingly and Val learns new skills along the way,like how to plumb in a complete bathroom in a tiny space.
The lovely people of the harbour are always there for help and advice and there's always Koos who I see as something of a dashing Viking sailing out to save the day. Koos was brought up on a barge and knows the waterways like the back of his hand, what a useful person to have around when you live on a barge.
In this book we catch up with all the harbour inhabitants or liggers we met in Watery Ways. We go shopping with Val for her plumbing equipment and laugh with her as she uses her best Dutch possible to ask for u-bends and stopcocks. We are with her as she is taught how to steer the barge by herself and sail with her through the waterways.
One thing really scares me about living on a barge. When you buy the book turn to page 104 and have a look at the gangplank you have to walk down to get on the boat when the water is low. It's at a 45deg angle and Val does admit it's very hard to enter and exit. If I am ever lucky enough to visit Val I'll have to make it when the water is high because there would be no way I could ever walk that gangplank.
There's the new addition in this book of Sindy the pup. She is very vocal and very naughty and reminds me of a dog I had who just like Sindy barked constantly in the car and eventually destroys it.
Valerie Poore was born to write comedy,she can see the fun in any situation and it always shows through in her books.
What I can't imagine is buying a 104 yr old barge made for carrying cargo and neglected for years and restoring it in a historical harbour by myself.
This is what Valerie Poore did. Her first mistake was to purchase the barge without having it inspected,a bit like buying a house without a survey. On the inspection for insurance purposes after the purchase Val finds she has far more work ahead of her than she had thought.
The first priority was to have a bathroom fitted.This is what Val promised herself after not having one on her rented barge. Wishes don't always come true and a bathroom was one of the last things finished on the barge.
Val is a gutsy and determined woman but at times even she was reduced to a crumbling wreck by the amount of work needing done. It's a slow process and all work done on a barge takes much longer than you expect it too. The limited space means you can't have that team of builders taking care of things.
The Vereeniging is restored slowly and lovingly and Val learns new skills along the way,like how to plumb in a complete bathroom in a tiny space.
The lovely people of the harbour are always there for help and advice and there's always Koos who I see as something of a dashing Viking sailing out to save the day. Koos was brought up on a barge and knows the waterways like the back of his hand, what a useful person to have around when you live on a barge.
In this book we catch up with all the harbour inhabitants or liggers we met in Watery Ways. We go shopping with Val for her plumbing equipment and laugh with her as she uses her best Dutch possible to ask for u-bends and stopcocks. We are with her as she is taught how to steer the barge by herself and sail with her through the waterways.
One thing really scares me about living on a barge. When you buy the book turn to page 104 and have a look at the gangplank you have to walk down to get on the boat when the water is low. It's at a 45deg angle and Val does admit it's very hard to enter and exit. If I am ever lucky enough to visit Val I'll have to make it when the water is high because there would be no way I could ever walk that gangplank.
There's the new addition in this book of Sindy the pup. She is very vocal and very naughty and reminds me of a dog I had who just like Sindy barked constantly in the car and eventually destroys it.
Valerie Poore was born to write comedy,she can see the fun in any situation and it always shows through in her books.
June 17, 2020
In recovery mode from a major life-change that takes her from South Africa to The Netherlands, Valerie Poore wants ‘a home she can travel with’ – something we all dream of! So, what does she do?
She does what any eminently sensible person would do under these circumstances, of course -- she buys a Dutch barge! The barge, once a thing of beauty, is an antique just crying out for restoration.
Thus begins a series of physical and emotional challenges, adventures, successes and, yes, even blunders. Fortunately, she enjoys more fulfilling achievements than she suffers misadventures.
Her success is not surprising given the independence, positive mind-set, determination and eminent practicality that shines through her lucid prose.
And so, while working as an ESL teacher at a language school in Rotterdam, she devotes her spare time to figuring out how to restore, with the help of others as eccentric as herself and with a patience that only occasionally deteriorates into frustration.
The key story told in Harbour Ways is that of loving restoration. The author tells it in just the right amount of clear detail to let me experience every step without overwhelming me with technicalities.
The secondary stories are equally interesting and equally beautifully remembered. There is the noble Koos, her new and closest friend, himself the owner of a small tug in which they travel adventurously through The Netherlands to Belgium and France; the smiling Phillip who rents Valerie his barge while she makes hers liveable; there are countless other unconventional and interesting characters who love barges and canals as much as the author does.
As a bonus, Valerie Poore also writes a fair bit about ‘Sin’, but not the kind that might demand censorship. Sin is a devilish puppy that Valeria adopts and becomes her faithful (sometimes faithless) companion.
Harbour Ways is just one of six books by this accomplished author so more delights await and you will want to read all of them!
She does what any eminently sensible person would do under these circumstances, of course -- she buys a Dutch barge! The barge, once a thing of beauty, is an antique just crying out for restoration.
Thus begins a series of physical and emotional challenges, adventures, successes and, yes, even blunders. Fortunately, she enjoys more fulfilling achievements than she suffers misadventures.
Her success is not surprising given the independence, positive mind-set, determination and eminent practicality that shines through her lucid prose.
And so, while working as an ESL teacher at a language school in Rotterdam, she devotes her spare time to figuring out how to restore, with the help of others as eccentric as herself and with a patience that only occasionally deteriorates into frustration.
The key story told in Harbour Ways is that of loving restoration. The author tells it in just the right amount of clear detail to let me experience every step without overwhelming me with technicalities.
The secondary stories are equally interesting and equally beautifully remembered. There is the noble Koos, her new and closest friend, himself the owner of a small tug in which they travel adventurously through The Netherlands to Belgium and France; the smiling Phillip who rents Valerie his barge while she makes hers liveable; there are countless other unconventional and interesting characters who love barges and canals as much as the author does.
As a bonus, Valerie Poore also writes a fair bit about ‘Sin’, but not the kind that might demand censorship. Sin is a devilish puppy that Valeria adopts and becomes her faithful (sometimes faithless) companion.
Harbour Ways is just one of six books by this accomplished author so more delights await and you will want to read all of them!
May 15, 2019
Being someone who is always interested in learning new things, when I saw this book, I decided it was too intriguing to pass up. I wondered what life on a barge might be like and decided to give this book a whirl.
From beginning to end, I found it a fascinating and delightful read. I never believed that living on any kind of a barge or boat was an easy thing, but even more so, I never imagined what might be involved in buying an historic barge and restoring it into a livable home. But what I believed to be true was confirmed many times over: it is a labor of love and a whole lot of work. Not work one can do and forget about, but work that is ongoing and forever. I also have newfound respect for exactly how much weather (especially winter weather) can impact a ligger’s (harbor resident) life. For example, I never thought about how scary it could be just getting on and off a barge in bad weather. Just reading the number of things the author had to contend with was amazing, but it all made sense, and the joy in all of it was evident. No matter who we are, any of us go to great lengths to follow our passion.
The book was well written, sprinkled with self-deprecating humor. I especially enjoyed one story about shopping for supplies (big supplies), adopting and living with the author’s trash-loving dog, Sindy, and so much more.
Lastly, I loved the photos at the end of each chapter and I was especially happy to find an epilogue that updated the reader on stories (both happy and sad) since this book was initially written, explained many terms used in the book, and generally wrapped everything up very nicely.
An excellent read.
From beginning to end, I found it a fascinating and delightful read. I never believed that living on any kind of a barge or boat was an easy thing, but even more so, I never imagined what might be involved in buying an historic barge and restoring it into a livable home. But what I believed to be true was confirmed many times over: it is a labor of love and a whole lot of work. Not work one can do and forget about, but work that is ongoing and forever. I also have newfound respect for exactly how much weather (especially winter weather) can impact a ligger’s (harbor resident) life. For example, I never thought about how scary it could be just getting on and off a barge in bad weather. Just reading the number of things the author had to contend with was amazing, but it all made sense, and the joy in all of it was evident. No matter who we are, any of us go to great lengths to follow our passion.
The book was well written, sprinkled with self-deprecating humor. I especially enjoyed one story about shopping for supplies (big supplies), adopting and living with the author’s trash-loving dog, Sindy, and so much more.
Lastly, I loved the photos at the end of each chapter and I was especially happy to find an epilogue that updated the reader on stories (both happy and sad) since this book was initially written, explained many terms used in the book, and generally wrapped everything up very nicely.
An excellent read.
June 19, 2020
Fascinating
Moving from South Africa to Rotterdam was probably a huge shock to Val´s system but nevertheless it was obviously a good move. Val fell in love with life on the water after renting a friends barge The Hoop on The Oude Haven. This led to her acquiring a new partner, a new lifestyle and having already bought an old crate barge The Vereeniging. This required a lot of work adapting it to be suitable for her to live in and she accomplished all this whilst holding down a teaching career.
She mastered of the art of carpentry, her attention to detail in the description of the planning and installation of the bathroom all go to show what you can do when needs must and funds are low. At least with the completion of the bathroom there are no more trips in the cold and ice to the ablutions block up the hill.
Amidst all of this whilst doing her day job teaching Val managed to acquire a puppy, Sindy the sinful dog, a nervous bundle of energy. Needless to say Sindy brings lots of happy days but also lots of trying times.
Along with some help and advice from friends The Vereerniging is finally water ready and she and Koos take a turn round the waterways.
Being a natural writer I love the way Val makes everyday activities and chores sound interesting, humorous, lively and hugely entertaining and bringing her characters to life. This all makes for riveting reading, thank you Val.
Moving from South Africa to Rotterdam was probably a huge shock to Val´s system but nevertheless it was obviously a good move. Val fell in love with life on the water after renting a friends barge The Hoop on The Oude Haven. This led to her acquiring a new partner, a new lifestyle and having already bought an old crate barge The Vereeniging. This required a lot of work adapting it to be suitable for her to live in and she accomplished all this whilst holding down a teaching career.
She mastered of the art of carpentry, her attention to detail in the description of the planning and installation of the bathroom all go to show what you can do when needs must and funds are low. At least with the completion of the bathroom there are no more trips in the cold and ice to the ablutions block up the hill.
Amidst all of this whilst doing her day job teaching Val managed to acquire a puppy, Sindy the sinful dog, a nervous bundle of energy. Needless to say Sindy brings lots of happy days but also lots of trying times.
Along with some help and advice from friends The Vereerniging is finally water ready and she and Koos take a turn round the waterways.
Being a natural writer I love the way Val makes everyday activities and chores sound interesting, humorous, lively and hugely entertaining and bringing her characters to life. This all makes for riveting reading, thank you Val.
August 31, 2017
After renting a friend’s barge in the Oude Haven Harbour in Rotterdam Val Poore fell in love with life ‘on the water’ and watching the floating world go by. Wanting one of her own she buys the ‘Vereeniging’ an old historic barge and becomes a ‘ligger’. The book describes the incredible amount of work that went into restoring the Vereenigen as it was actually an empty shell with no proper living accommodation on board. However this marvellous lady gets on with all the work at the same time as working at her teaching job. I’m so impressed at her determination as she gradually transforms the Vereenigen into her own little cosy haven. It’s very skilfully written and you are taken along with her as she faces each new challenge, feeling her pleasure in the acquisition of …. A small bench saw, a circular saw, a mitre saw, a new jig saw and an electric planer!! Not items that I have ever yearned to own! She writes with honesty and humour and I must say I loved this book. There are accompanying photos so you can see the progress being made. What an undertaking this was. I think I may have retired to a cosy hotel at some points. It’s such a different lifestyle which I find fascinating. Happy faring!
April 18, 2022
Every time I pass by a marina or a harbour, I am always curious and fascinated by the existence the residents must be living. I’ve secretly dreamt of living in a boat; it’s so romantic. Thanks to Val for sharing in detail about her life on a barge, it gave me a realistic insight to their harbour lifestyle. I’m in admiration, and also a tad bit jealous over the ‘handyman’ skills that she discussed. She can do plumbing and carpentry! I really loved the pictures she shared of her one-hundred-year-old historic barge, the ‘Vereeniging’! I found myself caught up with her love for her barge and her plight to restore it; she spells out things so clearly that she made me understand the process she used to learn and applied. If she hadn’t, I’d have been totally lost in technicalities.
Her other gifts include the written word and a good sense of humor. She has the gift of including the reader in her system so that they could empathize with her big and small victories. Reading ‘Harbour Ways’ has been an education for me; the references to boat anatomy and the Barge community was fascinating. I admit I’m totally hooked on Val and can’t wait to read her other books. 'Harbour Ways' gave me a chance to live my dream, living in a boat, vicariously through her. Thanks, Val!
Her other gifts include the written word and a good sense of humor. She has the gift of including the reader in her system so that they could empathize with her big and small victories. Reading ‘Harbour Ways’ has been an education for me; the references to boat anatomy and the Barge community was fascinating. I admit I’m totally hooked on Val and can’t wait to read her other books. 'Harbour Ways' gave me a chance to live my dream, living in a boat, vicariously through her. Thanks, Val!
October 16, 2023
This well-written sequel to Book 1 "Watery Ways" takes the reader further on with Val's passion to have a home in a barge, and eventually to go faring in it. And it has to be a passion - it is a labour of love, and her heart for restoring the barge she fell in love with shines through every page. Self-doubts about her abilities, language barriers, lack of technical knowledge - while trying to hold down a job to boot - abound, but with the help of fellow liggers, and Val's ever-patient partner - Koos - Val restores her barge, does all her own woodwork, and installs a bathroom and a kitchen. On top of that, she has to navigate the (mis)behaviour of her adorable puppy - the "sinful" Sindy! The reader learns about all the technicalities involved (and there are many) and feels every twinge and frustration, and eventually joy, as Val works - little by little - on turning the hull of an empty barge into a home.
Barging life is not for the faint-hearted or "land-lubbers" like myself - it is indeed idyllic and well worth it, but behind the idyll is constant hard work with repairs and maintenance - it is a way of life which has to be a passion, and Val's resilience, determination and sheer "I can do it" attitude shines through. A truly heartwarming read.
Barging life is not for the faint-hearted or "land-lubbers" like myself - it is indeed idyllic and well worth it, but behind the idyll is constant hard work with repairs and maintenance - it is a way of life which has to be a passion, and Val's resilience, determination and sheer "I can do it" attitude shines through. A truly heartwarming read.
February 23, 2024
Harbour Ways is the second book in the Living Aboard series but it works perfectly as a standalone memoir, affording the reader a rare and privileged insight into the life of a harbour dweller and her painstaking restoration of a quaint, centenarian barge.
After a year in Rotterdam's Oude Haven, Valerie Poore is no stranger to living aboard, but being a ligger takes on a whole new meaning when she embarks on a mission to convert her recently purchased Vereeniging into a warm and weatherproof home. The venture is fraught with problems from the outset but the author digs deep, braving the horrors of the helling, the trials of carpentry and plumbing, the frustration of language barriers and the unwitting adoption of a miscreant pup. Amidst the chaos and the drama, she finds solace in the watery idyll of the harbour. Buoyed by the serenity of her surroundings and the camaraderie of her neighbours, she retains her sanity, alacrity and humour; no hurdle is insurmountable and she finally triumphs in creating a delightful, bijou home.
Harbour Ways is a fascinating glimpse into an alternative lifestyle. Landlubbers and liggers alike are sure to find it an engrossing, enjoyable and thoroughly entertaining read.
After a year in Rotterdam's Oude Haven, Valerie Poore is no stranger to living aboard, but being a ligger takes on a whole new meaning when she embarks on a mission to convert her recently purchased Vereeniging into a warm and weatherproof home. The venture is fraught with problems from the outset but the author digs deep, braving the horrors of the helling, the trials of carpentry and plumbing, the frustration of language barriers and the unwitting adoption of a miscreant pup. Amidst the chaos and the drama, she finds solace in the watery idyll of the harbour. Buoyed by the serenity of her surroundings and the camaraderie of her neighbours, she retains her sanity, alacrity and humour; no hurdle is insurmountable and she finally triumphs in creating a delightful, bijou home.
Harbour Ways is a fascinating glimpse into an alternative lifestyle. Landlubbers and liggers alike are sure to find it an engrossing, enjoyable and thoroughly entertaining read.
June 17, 2024
Val had spent her time living on a barge belonging to her friend. She lived on it in exchange for maintenance and upkeep of what would have been an empty vessel. However eventually her friend reached the point where he wanted to sell his boat and Val needed to find alternative accommodation. Enter The Vereeniging which if I’m not mistaken Val still lives on, at least part time. The beginning of the book sees Val taking ownership of what was an abandoned, rather derelict and incredibly old (built 1898) barge, a completely empty one at that, never designed to be lived on.
What follows is the ups and downs of making this beautiful old boat habitable and safe to float on the water, and there were a good deal of downs too. As it’s quite some time since I started the book, my memories are a little vague of the beginning (since I picked the book back up again a couple of weeks ago, we’ve mainly been concerned with getting Val’s long awaited bathroom completed) but I do have a vivid recollection of the Vereeniging being up in dry dock after an Insurance Inspector virtually condemned the boat and I recall a lot of hard work and ingenuity went into welding it’s bottom, as well as painting to get it canal worthy and of course to pass the insurance inspection. (And we all thought getting a car MOT’d could be tense).
This is what I love about these stories, of kinship, friends pooling their skills to help each other out proving the adage ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way’. It’s another fab book, with Val’s descriptions of the waterways, her accounts of the work she did to make the Vereeniging a comfy home for herself and her slightly crazy dog Sindy. It’s been an absolute pleasure to share the ups as well as the downs and, well……see that damn bathroom finally completed.
What follows is the ups and downs of making this beautiful old boat habitable and safe to float on the water, and there were a good deal of downs too. As it’s quite some time since I started the book, my memories are a little vague of the beginning (since I picked the book back up again a couple of weeks ago, we’ve mainly been concerned with getting Val’s long awaited bathroom completed) but I do have a vivid recollection of the Vereeniging being up in dry dock after an Insurance Inspector virtually condemned the boat and I recall a lot of hard work and ingenuity went into welding it’s bottom, as well as painting to get it canal worthy and of course to pass the insurance inspection. (And we all thought getting a car MOT’d could be tense).
This is what I love about these stories, of kinship, friends pooling their skills to help each other out proving the adage ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way’. It’s another fab book, with Val’s descriptions of the waterways, her accounts of the work she did to make the Vereeniging a comfy home for herself and her slightly crazy dog Sindy. It’s been an absolute pleasure to share the ups as well as the downs and, well……see that damn bathroom finally completed.
May 5, 2022
I was a bit nervous about reading Valerie Poore’s account of moving into an old barge that was little more than a shell and converting it into a floating home. Not only am I not that interested in memoirs, but I have no enthusiasm for blokey conversations about re-wiring and the joys of MDF boarding.
I needn't have worried. 'Harbour Ways' is a vibrant and life-affirming book that can even make the details of plumbing a toilet into a boat surprisingly interesting. Val's collection of friendly and supportive boat-people keep her both metaphorically and literally afloat as slowly (oh so slowly) her barge turns into the home she always wanted. And on the way she learns Dutch (doing all this in a language she speaks fluently would take the fun out of it) and explores Rotterdam and beyond.
I found myself anxious to know what would go wrong next and how Val would overcome her problems. It read like a thriller: I just had to turn the page. Definitely recommended.
I needn't have worried. 'Harbour Ways' is a vibrant and life-affirming book that can even make the details of plumbing a toilet into a boat surprisingly interesting. Val's collection of friendly and supportive boat-people keep her both metaphorically and literally afloat as slowly (oh so slowly) her barge turns into the home she always wanted. And on the way she learns Dutch (doing all this in a language she speaks fluently would take the fun out of it) and explores Rotterdam and beyond.
I found myself anxious to know what would go wrong next and how Val would overcome her problems. It read like a thriller: I just had to turn the page. Definitely recommended.
September 14, 2024
Great read
Ms. Poore has written a great book about life on a barge. This is book 2 in a trilogy, and this is also the only book I've read. Ms. Poore is a tough act to follow. After leaving South Africa after a divorce, she moves to the Netherlands, and the real
adventure begins.
She found a lovely vintage barge and fell in love with it. But with buying any boat or house, not all is as it seems. Decades of neglect make their appearance known, hours and hours, and days, and weeks, and months go by with grueling work to make the barge livable and seaworthy. Thankfully, Poore makes friends with others who live their dream of barge living. Friends who help out each other are more precious than a few gold bars. The human factor is the real and true factor, and Poore finds just that.
Ms. Poore has written a great book about life on a barge. This is book 2 in a trilogy, and this is also the only book I've read. Ms. Poore is a tough act to follow. After leaving South Africa after a divorce, she moves to the Netherlands, and the real
adventure begins.
She found a lovely vintage barge and fell in love with it. But with buying any boat or house, not all is as it seems. Decades of neglect make their appearance known, hours and hours, and days, and weeks, and months go by with grueling work to make the barge livable and seaworthy. Thankfully, Poore makes friends with others who live their dream of barge living. Friends who help out each other are more precious than a few gold bars. The human factor is the real and true factor, and Poore finds just that.
January 5, 2025
I Harbour no regrets for reading this one on a rainy January day in eastern Washington, so far from the land of canals and barges that is the scene for this treasure. Valerie describes how Living on the water necessitates an inescapable relationship with one’s barge that becomes in itself the way of life, community, and survival. It’s a whole new kind of freedom with its own set of limitations, a whole other perspective of life in endless motion.
The reader gets a taste and a view of that world that most of us will never experience firsthand, so it is a delight to be invited in, to learn how she meets challenges and rejoice in the in her achievements building her abode. Once again, it’s a world I did not know existed, but from now on will imagine in a new dimension to my daydreams.
Okay, now I’m ready for the third in this series.
The reader gets a taste and a view of that world that most of us will never experience firsthand, so it is a delight to be invited in, to learn how she meets challenges and rejoice in the in her achievements building her abode. Once again, it’s a world I did not know existed, but from now on will imagine in a new dimension to my daydreams.
Okay, now I’m ready for the third in this series.
June 24, 2023
If you have ever held romantic visions of life on a canal barge, then this book is for you and may just jolt you back to reality. There is a lot of work involved; it’s not just sitting at the helm with a glass of wine in hand as you drift along idyllic water ways. I have come away from reading this in awe of Val, who seems to have no end of talents and a healthy dose of ‘can do’ attitude. There are plenty of characters to amuse and laugh out loud moments; I loved my vicarious watery escape. Val’s writing is so descriptive you feel as though you are right there with her, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
April 5, 2022
This book is as great as the first book, Watery Ways. In this second memoir, Valerie is still renovating her barge, the Vereeniging. I love reading everything involved in this process. Her details of all of the festivities she attends are one-of-a-kind, making me want to experience them myself. I can’t wait to read the final book in this series, Walloon Ways. I’m sure it’ll be a page-turner just like this one.
January 29, 2023
This is book two of Ms Poore’s memoirs of barge life in Rotterdam. I’m glad I have book three already. This continuation brings a new barge and the time and effort involved to bring it to the home she had envisioned when she first saw and fell in love with it. It was an excellent adventure providing the view of those trials, tribulations and joys accompanying that effort. We get to know her harbor mates, friends and family and her addition of a young troubled dog, never a dull moment.
January 19, 2019
Oxygen to my dream
I am a new ‘Liar’ on a new craft in the cold north of Lancashire. My dream is to move to Holland later this year (2019) when my sail away fit-out is complete. This book has been simply wonderful and so inspiring I didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait to read more, especially when my Canard floats on Dutch water!
Thank you for a truly super book.
I am a new ‘Liar’ on a new craft in the cold north of Lancashire. My dream is to move to Holland later this year (2019) when my sail away fit-out is complete. This book has been simply wonderful and so inspiring I didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait to read more, especially when my Canard floats on Dutch water!
Thank you for a truly super book.
Read
February 5, 2022Interesting life style
Who would imagine living on a barge could be a dream come true. Reading how a women could learn to do so much handing work on her own is amazing. Than she turns around and shows you the beautiful small towns around a river most people don't get to see. A world I will only feel through her books. Another great adventure.
Who would imagine living on a barge could be a dream come true. Reading how a women could learn to do so much handing work on her own is amazing. Than she turns around and shows you the beautiful small towns around a river most people don't get to see. A world I will only feel through her books. Another great adventure.
November 14, 2019
Excellent read
Fun, charming and a lovely introduction to both life on board and Rotterdam. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading much more.
Fun, charming and a lovely introduction to both life on board and Rotterdam. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading much more.
January 25, 2022
A very engaging read.
February 27, 2017
Harbour Ways, a sequel to Val Poore’s Watery Ways, further shares her bravery and mastery as she prepares her new barge, the Vereeniging for habitation. It is old but dear and in need of repair which she discovers takes longer than she thought. She waits on either the right advice or the right parts to arrive from distant places. Her biggest accomplishment during this installment was putting in the all necessary bathroom after trekking up an icy hill for years. This is an enjoyable read and I felt as if I was aboard along with Val and her friends through the trials and happy festivities.
March 16, 2014
Harbour Ways by Valerie Poore
I thoroughly enjoyed Watery Ways, Valerie's first book about her life in Holland, so I knew I was onto a winner with her new book Harbour Ways.
Vereeniging, her historic barge (the name means 'union') was built in 1898 so was over a hundred years old and in a sorry state when Valerie found it and fell in love. The fact that she felt up to the task of not only repairing it, but making it into a comfortable place to live makes for riveting reading. I have done something similar with a dilapidated static caravan and after a lot of hard work and frustration, we managed to live in it for nearly four years, so I know just how tough a job it is.
The chapter on fitting a bathroom into the available tiny space on the barge was hilarious. The mental picture of Valerie inside a plastic water tank with parts of her anatomy fighting to be the first out will probably stay with me forever.
I discovered that she has one of the same major problems as me, that of deciding at 'which stage of ineptitude counts as desperation.' Proving that no amount of determination will ever make up for having a non-technical brain, but somehow we cannot stop pushing the envelope.
After all the repairing, cleaning and transforming the Vereeniging was finally ready for some adventure. To finally look back on everything she has accomplished, makes me feel so proud, and I had nothing to do with it!
Valerie's first trip on board her beloved barge was magical, full of wonderful scenery and fascinating sites, including automatic bridges?
These are small lifting bridges complete with their own lights. You simply stop and wait for them to open, a bit like those automatic doors that some shops have.
I remember what used to worry me whenever I was going anywhere on a boat. Because you have absolutely no idea just how deep the water is, you constantly fear running aground. I have seen other people stranded like this and it looks so sad, but luckily it has never happened to me.
I love being on the water and welcome every opportunity to be afloat, but of all the places I have been, the Norfolk Broads will remain my favourite. It was a very special time and my first real experience of living and journeying on a boat. Two wonderful weeks of glorious weather and adventures, for a life change or simply a holiday you cannot beat it.
Another aspect that makes Valerie's book so interesting are the photographs, taken at key moments, capturing the essence of the narrative and helping you to fully enjoy the experience.
This was a very interesting read. I enjoyed it very much and I'm sure you will too.
I thoroughly enjoyed Watery Ways, Valerie's first book about her life in Holland, so I knew I was onto a winner with her new book Harbour Ways.
Vereeniging, her historic barge (the name means 'union') was built in 1898 so was over a hundred years old and in a sorry state when Valerie found it and fell in love. The fact that she felt up to the task of not only repairing it, but making it into a comfortable place to live makes for riveting reading. I have done something similar with a dilapidated static caravan and after a lot of hard work and frustration, we managed to live in it for nearly four years, so I know just how tough a job it is.
The chapter on fitting a bathroom into the available tiny space on the barge was hilarious. The mental picture of Valerie inside a plastic water tank with parts of her anatomy fighting to be the first out will probably stay with me forever.
I discovered that she has one of the same major problems as me, that of deciding at 'which stage of ineptitude counts as desperation.' Proving that no amount of determination will ever make up for having a non-technical brain, but somehow we cannot stop pushing the envelope.
After all the repairing, cleaning and transforming the Vereeniging was finally ready for some adventure. To finally look back on everything she has accomplished, makes me feel so proud, and I had nothing to do with it!
Valerie's first trip on board her beloved barge was magical, full of wonderful scenery and fascinating sites, including automatic bridges?
These are small lifting bridges complete with their own lights. You simply stop and wait for them to open, a bit like those automatic doors that some shops have.
I remember what used to worry me whenever I was going anywhere on a boat. Because you have absolutely no idea just how deep the water is, you constantly fear running aground. I have seen other people stranded like this and it looks so sad, but luckily it has never happened to me.
I love being on the water and welcome every opportunity to be afloat, but of all the places I have been, the Norfolk Broads will remain my favourite. It was a very special time and my first real experience of living and journeying on a boat. Two wonderful weeks of glorious weather and adventures, for a life change or simply a holiday you cannot beat it.
Another aspect that makes Valerie's book so interesting are the photographs, taken at key moments, capturing the essence of the narrative and helping you to fully enjoy the experience.
This was a very interesting read. I enjoyed it very much and I'm sure you will too.
March 24, 2014
I found this book humorous, lively and hugely entertaining, and it's the best accompaniment to a nice mug of coffee and a biscuit that I know of. Having read Valerie Poore’s book Watery Ways, I was keen to meet up with her and her family and friends again, and this summary of her experiences most certainly was as much fun as Watery Ways. But this works just as well as a standalone book, you don’t need to read WW to enjoy it.
Every page raises a smile, and, for me a great deal of the pleasure were the practical details of resurrecting a historic boat from its neglected state, and getting some idea of how much sheer hard work was involved.
The historic barge Vereening has had problems in the past – a lot of welding on the hull was needed to prevent water seeping into the hold. Its fine engine is over a century old and needs 20 minutes of heating and priming, and tender loving care to start. The boat has no bathroom. And it needs an entire plumbing system to be installed. Along Val’s restoration road we meet the friends who help her: the charming plumbing equipment salesman who befriends her highly strung dog, her partner Koos, an expert sailor with a barge of his own, who teaches her navigational skills, Phillip, the wizard welder with the sparkling white teeth. All Val’s friends come alive, as if you’re at a free and easy party, and people introduce themselves over a glass of punch.
There are plenty of descriptions of other parts of Holland she visits, other harbours and fascinating places. But it’s the practical descriptions that I like, and the humour, such as her trying to buy bulky items at the DIY store, loading it up, and being watched by sardonic assistants, who expect it all to slide off the trolley. And the actual installation of the plumbing pipes and the toilet and the heating system – there are quite a few setbacks on the road to success, and these are a story in themselves.
This book gives you a unique insight just how much fun life can be if you live on a barge in Holland. But I suspect that it would be even more fun to live on a barge in Holland if you happen to be moored next to someone as nice as Val.
Every page raises a smile, and, for me a great deal of the pleasure were the practical details of resurrecting a historic boat from its neglected state, and getting some idea of how much sheer hard work was involved.
The historic barge Vereening has had problems in the past – a lot of welding on the hull was needed to prevent water seeping into the hold. Its fine engine is over a century old and needs 20 minutes of heating and priming, and tender loving care to start. The boat has no bathroom. And it needs an entire plumbing system to be installed. Along Val’s restoration road we meet the friends who help her: the charming plumbing equipment salesman who befriends her highly strung dog, her partner Koos, an expert sailor with a barge of his own, who teaches her navigational skills, Phillip, the wizard welder with the sparkling white teeth. All Val’s friends come alive, as if you’re at a free and easy party, and people introduce themselves over a glass of punch.
There are plenty of descriptions of other parts of Holland she visits, other harbours and fascinating places. But it’s the practical descriptions that I like, and the humour, such as her trying to buy bulky items at the DIY store, loading it up, and being watched by sardonic assistants, who expect it all to slide off the trolley. And the actual installation of the plumbing pipes and the toilet and the heating system – there are quite a few setbacks on the road to success, and these are a story in themselves.
This book gives you a unique insight just how much fun life can be if you live on a barge in Holland. But I suspect that it would be even more fun to live on a barge in Holland if you happen to be moored next to someone as nice as Val.
July 9, 2016
The following review will also be posted on Amazon US & UK
Val's first book in this series Watery Ways is the first book on my list of the #20booksofsummer challenge. I enjoyed that book so much that I was led off-piste and just had to read this one too!
In common with the first book, this one is beautifully written and humerous throughout.
There is just something so heartwarming about the way the author writes about life aboard a historic 100 year old barge in the Netherlands; a barge that she is more or less single-handedly trying to restore while living on it. Barges require a lot of maintenance for a number of reasons; to keep watertight and prevent any damage from the elements plus the hull needs to be inspected from time to time to ensure that it is safe on the waterways. Val copes with all of that plus the restoration work and also a job teaching English and another resident on the barge, her newly adopted dog
There is some help at hand from the other live aboard barge-owning characters at the harbour and Val's partner Koos, another barge owner whose lifetime experiences of living aboard a barge and navigating the waterways are an invaluable help.
Val is the one doing most of the work though, often in bad weather situations and very cramped conditions and sometimes carrying the large items she needed back from the hardware store on her head, African style (do not try this at home!)
The whole challenge is described with much self-deprecation and good humour Val has a way with words and makes the plumbing in of a bathroom aboard the barge sound fascinating and describes the other local characters in such a way that I'd really like to meet them all. Actually I'd quite like to move into the beautifully finished and restored barge thank you very much. If someone else was doing all the hard work and driving of course!
I've read the series while going through quite a stressful time and have found them to be real escapism and an absolute tonic.
Val's first book in this series Watery Ways is the first book on my list of the #20booksofsummer challenge. I enjoyed that book so much that I was led off-piste and just had to read this one too!
In common with the first book, this one is beautifully written and humerous throughout.
There is just something so heartwarming about the way the author writes about life aboard a historic 100 year old barge in the Netherlands; a barge that she is more or less single-handedly trying to restore while living on it. Barges require a lot of maintenance for a number of reasons; to keep watertight and prevent any damage from the elements plus the hull needs to be inspected from time to time to ensure that it is safe on the waterways. Val copes with all of that plus the restoration work and also a job teaching English and another resident on the barge, her newly adopted dog
There is some help at hand from the other live aboard barge-owning characters at the harbour and Val's partner Koos, another barge owner whose lifetime experiences of living aboard a barge and navigating the waterways are an invaluable help.
Val is the one doing most of the work though, often in bad weather situations and very cramped conditions and sometimes carrying the large items she needed back from the hardware store on her head, African style (do not try this at home!)
The whole challenge is described with much self-deprecation and good humour Val has a way with words and makes the plumbing in of a bathroom aboard the barge sound fascinating and describes the other local characters in such a way that I'd really like to meet them all. Actually I'd quite like to move into the beautifully finished and restored barge thank you very much. If someone else was doing all the hard work and driving of course!
I've read the series while going through quite a stressful time and have found them to be real escapism and an absolute tonic.
August 13, 2016
I loved this book. It was a lot of fun, but it was also very interesting to read about life on a barge, and what it takes to turn a historical working barge into a comfortable home.
It must have been incredibly daunting as a single woman living in a foreign country to go out and buy a barge. Not just any barge, but a historical barge that needed a lot of work, and a lot of money. Add to this the fact that she would be doing all the work herself, and the fact that she was still learning the language. Daunting, yes I am sure it was, but for me the reader, it had its very funny moments, as well as its wow moments.
Living on the water is certainly not for everyone, simply because of the ‘hardships’ associated with it. But, after reading this book the hardships seem to pale in comparison to what you actually get out of it. I think the feeling of freedom, and the friendships forged on the water will make the hardships, while not insignificant, seem more manageable because they are in a way, a shared experienced.
I was continually amazed at the author’s courage, and her willingness to do all the work herself. Her carpentry skills were amazing and her power tools impressive, but I would have run a mile before crawling into a 500l water tank to attach the necessary fittings. Never, ever *shudder*.
Other than being a great read, I think there is an important lesson to be learned. Never give up. Know your limitations, but push them ...... hard. It was great to see how much Valerie Poore was able to achieve because she believed in herself and her abilities.
I especially enjoyed the photographs which accompanied the story. I would have loved a lot more, but was thankful for the glimpses of what the author was working on at the time. The kitchen and the bathroom were amazing. They are tiny, and yet so perfect. The photos of the barge moving serenely along the rivers/canals were awesome.
This is a great book. It is beautifully written and I loved it.
It must have been incredibly daunting as a single woman living in a foreign country to go out and buy a barge. Not just any barge, but a historical barge that needed a lot of work, and a lot of money. Add to this the fact that she would be doing all the work herself, and the fact that she was still learning the language. Daunting, yes I am sure it was, but for me the reader, it had its very funny moments, as well as its wow moments.
Living on the water is certainly not for everyone, simply because of the ‘hardships’ associated with it. But, after reading this book the hardships seem to pale in comparison to what you actually get out of it. I think the feeling of freedom, and the friendships forged on the water will make the hardships, while not insignificant, seem more manageable because they are in a way, a shared experienced.
I was continually amazed at the author’s courage, and her willingness to do all the work herself. Her carpentry skills were amazing and her power tools impressive, but I would have run a mile before crawling into a 500l water tank to attach the necessary fittings. Never, ever *shudder*.
Other than being a great read, I think there is an important lesson to be learned. Never give up. Know your limitations, but push them ...... hard. It was great to see how much Valerie Poore was able to achieve because she believed in herself and her abilities.
I especially enjoyed the photographs which accompanied the story. I would have loved a lot more, but was thankful for the glimpses of what the author was working on at the time. The kitchen and the bathroom were amazing. They are tiny, and yet so perfect. The photos of the barge moving serenely along the rivers/canals were awesome.
This is a great book. It is beautifully written and I loved it.
August 21, 2016
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Harbour Ways
Author: Val Poore
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 5/10
Of the 15 readers:
9 would read another book by this author.
6 thought the cover was excellent.
7 felt the pacing was excellent.
10 felt the best part of the book insightful writing.
7 felt it was a bit slow in parts, particularly the second half.
12 recommended changing the font on the title.
Readers’ Comments
‘She’s a good writer with a fun, easy style. I felt the book lacked a little depth in parts but, all in all, interesting. Probably has a small market i.e. people with a barge.’ Female reader, aged 44
‘Fun to meet the fascinating characters the author meets. I’m a bit of a DIY man so I enjoyed how she met the challenge of fixing up her barge. The cover was a bit poor and it’s very difficult to read the title.’ Male reader, aged 28
‘Interesting book; this woman/author is a very determined character. I applaud her. Needs to change font on cover; I can’t read the title.’ Male reader, aged 57
‘I’m so impressed that this lady did so much to get her barge up and running. Everything from plumbing to woodwork is in here. A bit too short and it did get a bit slow going towards the end but, generally, very good. I’d recommend it to any DIY and boat/barge/ship fan.’ Male reader, aged 55
‘Fascinating, often funny, and totally enjoyable.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Harbour Ways
Author: Val Poore
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 5/10
Of the 15 readers:
9 would read another book by this author.
6 thought the cover was excellent.
7 felt the pacing was excellent.
10 felt the best part of the book insightful writing.
7 felt it was a bit slow in parts, particularly the second half.
12 recommended changing the font on the title.
Readers’ Comments
‘She’s a good writer with a fun, easy style. I felt the book lacked a little depth in parts but, all in all, interesting. Probably has a small market i.e. people with a barge.’ Female reader, aged 44
‘Fun to meet the fascinating characters the author meets. I’m a bit of a DIY man so I enjoyed how she met the challenge of fixing up her barge. The cover was a bit poor and it’s very difficult to read the title.’ Male reader, aged 28
‘Interesting book; this woman/author is a very determined character. I applaud her. Needs to change font on cover; I can’t read the title.’ Male reader, aged 57
‘I’m so impressed that this lady did so much to get her barge up and running. Everything from plumbing to woodwork is in here. A bit too short and it did get a bit slow going towards the end but, generally, very good. I’d recommend it to any DIY and boat/barge/ship fan.’ Male reader, aged 55
‘Fascinating, often funny, and totally enjoyable.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
October 3, 2015
A few years ago I read the first of these two novels and was delighted by the quirky stories and intricacies of life on the water. Having now lived aboard a boat myself for a couple of years, I was curious to see how my own experience would change my perspective on this type of memoir when I picked up Harbour Ways at a book shop recently (coincedentally enough, after seeing Valerie Poore give a talk about it in the Hague). Truth be told, I was a little worried that the magic of Ms Poore's world would have dimmed a little after my own first hand experiences.
However, this could not have been farther from the truth!
Once again, she has captured the quintessential beauty that is living on a boat in a beautiful old harbour. Despite the misadventures, the pains, the bloodied palms and sweat and tears that went into each chapter of converting her old historic barge, the optimism she maintains is palpable. Not to mention the everlasting hope that she will finally get that plumbing sorted ;-)
True to the first book's voice, Ms Poore has continued in the same style, with the same dry wit and oddball humour.
It is a delight to read again and again, and indeed, I have now read and reread it 5 times.
I plan on taking it with me again this weekend as I head down to Belgium for a quick weekend getaway. What better place to read of rivets and sockets than sitting next to a canal!?!
However, this could not have been farther from the truth!
Once again, she has captured the quintessential beauty that is living on a boat in a beautiful old harbour. Despite the misadventures, the pains, the bloodied palms and sweat and tears that went into each chapter of converting her old historic barge, the optimism she maintains is palpable. Not to mention the everlasting hope that she will finally get that plumbing sorted ;-)
True to the first book's voice, Ms Poore has continued in the same style, with the same dry wit and oddball humour.
It is a delight to read again and again, and indeed, I have now read and reread it 5 times.
I plan on taking it with me again this weekend as I head down to Belgium for a quick weekend getaway. What better place to read of rivets and sockets than sitting next to a canal!?!
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