The photo above of you in the window of CASA400 has become iconic. What do you remember about it?
Noëlle: “I’m so proud that it has become such a classic! It was actually taken secretly – someone climbed onto the roof to snap it. I was living in room 347 in the old CASA, my first year in Amsterdam. And CASA was immediately the best place imaginable. You met people so quickly, other students from all kinds of studies. The older residents really took care of you.”
Hotel CASA is turning 68! When did you live at CASA and how did you end up there?
Noëlle: “I lived there from 1983 to 1985. A colleague of my mother had lived in CASA herself and recommended it to us. I had just returned from Paris, where I had worked as an au pair. I was going to study French in Amsterdam, so I traded one big city for another!"
What was life like in CASA400 during your time?
Noëlle: “Honestly? One big party. I didn’t study much. I quickly became part of the residents' committee and the party committee. I celebrated my 21st birthday in the Roosendaelzaal, with crates of beer that we fetched from the supermarket on a trolley. The Casa Croeg (Casa Pub) was also founded around that time, which was fantastic! I made so many good friends during my time there.”
Are there any memories or traditions from your time at CASA that have stayed with you?
Noëlle: “Definitely! In my second year, I lived in room 5A, a luxurious corner room with a little kitchenette. Very comfortable, of course, but I missed the coziness of the shared kitchen. So, I put up a note: “Anyone want to share a meal?” And from that moment on, we cooked together almost every evening. The floors like 7B and 7C were legendary – they were really tight-knit groups."
"There were also those typical CASA traditions. Like the water ballet. Every year, someone would start spraying water out of the window with the fire hose – you never knew who would start it, but it always happened. Eventually, they would turn off the water, but hey, it was just part of the deal. And yes, we also had cockroach checks and the famous litho checks. They would supposedly come to check if the artwork on your wall was still there, but they were really just making sure your room was clean."
What would you say to your younger self, who had just moved into CASA?
Noëlle: "You don’t have to regret anything. CASA was a beautiful start, a wonderful way to get to know Amsterdam. I made lifelong friends there. And if I may, I’d like to quote Bert Schierbeek: “How, if you could surround yourself with carefreeness, and that that was your space.” That’s how I look back on CASA."
Who are you now, and what are you up to?
Noëlle: "I’m 61, and I have a lovely life. I’m the Climate Mayor of my municipality, a volunteer position in which I work on biodiversity. I’m actively involved in sustainability and also part of the Baarn Bermbrigade – a group that collects litter every month. I have two wonderful children, one of whom also lived at CASA! I’m also a passionate hiker. Next week, I’m heading off for three weeks to hike the Sultan's Trail."
Did your time at CASA influence who you are today?
Noëlle: "CASA was a great, safe foundation. I also worked there – I worked at the hotel reception during the summer season. Back then, we had a student grant and all the time in the world. Studying was different then. And I always stayed in touch with the people who worked there – Mr. Van Nieuwkuijk, Mrs. Van Meurs, Jan Willem, Hans… all fantastic people. I’ve always said: when I’m old, I want to live at CASA again, with all the people from back then. At 80 or 90, we’ll play music and have parties. That sounds just perfect to me!"
