Blog: Tom de Silva
I was able to buy a house where I also have enough space to pursue my hobby with vintage cars!
Growing up in Vogelwaarde, my interests as a young boy were always outdoors. I was especially fascinated by machines. I would always go watch, help, or ride along on the tractor with the farmer. Or when visiting my grandparents, I would study all the ships passing by. But what do you choose when you finish high school? For me, there were two options left: the Higher Agricultural School (HAS) or Maritime Officer studies (Higher Nautical School). In the end, I was more interested in technology and also in the adventure that awaited in the Maritime Officer program.
A job 'nearby'
After four years of studying, including two periods of six months each on board ships, I had crossed almost all continents and oceans. After working another ten years offshore worldwide, I now have a job 'nearby'. Where 'nearby' means Zeeuws-Vlaanderen.
Tip from Tom
If you want to enjoy a nice bite to eat and/or a drink, you can find me at Eetcafé Het Karrewiel in Vogelwaarde, the city center of Hulst, Paviljoen 't Schor, or at De Paal.
"In ten years, I have seen all the continents and oceans of the world, but I always preferred coming home to Zeeuws-Vlaanderen!"
I have now bought a house here with enough space to pursue my hobby (now a starting business) with vintage cars!"
Zeeuws-Vlaanderen feels like home
During my periods abroad and at sea, I have been able to visit many countries and cities. I have also lived and worked abroad for extended periods. All these experiences have made and shaped me into the person I am today. During this work, it didn’t matter which country or continent I was in. When, after about six weeks, it was time to go 'home' again, it always felt great to return to Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. The combination of peace, space, the friendly atmosphere, and the down-to-earth view on things are aspects that really appeal to me. There are plenty of events and activities to do in the region and surroundings. You can seek out that 'bustle' yourself, and that’s just fine!
A house with space for my hobby
About five years ago, I bought a house in Vogelwaarde. Here, besides the house, I also have the space to pursue my hobby with vintage cars. The many polders and dike roads nearby are ideal for touring around with a motorcycle or a vintage car. In 2024, my hobby has grown into a small business, where I bought several vintage cars in Texas and had them shipped to the Netherlands. While in large parts of the Netherlands it’s already difficult to buy a house at all, in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen it’s not unusual to be able to buy a house with enough space for all your hobbies. All this makes Zeeuws-Vlaanderen a wonderful region for me, which has a lot to offer in terms of living, working, and life!
