How Ruud Gullit brought back my Italian: An encounter in Amsterdam South-East

 

Ruud Gullit, the Dutch‑Surinamese former football star, after his professional career.

In the late nineties, during a visit to Amsterdam, I walked into Makro, once one of Europe’s largest supermarket chains, now long defunct. The Makro branch in Amsterdam South-East, near Balmer, was always busy, always alive.

 

However, on that day, something extraordinary happened. As I turned into one of the aisles, I suddenly found myself face-to-face with Ruud Gullit, the towering Dutch Surinamese football icon whose name had echoed across Europe for more than a decade.

 

His presence was unmistakable: the dreadlocks, the calm confidence, the aura of a man who had conquered world football. I knew he had played in Italy, and that connection stirred something deep within me.

 

Ruud Gullit’s Italian Journey: The Clubs That Shaped an Era

 

Ruud Gullit’s time in Italy was not just a chapter in his career; it was a defining era in world football. He joined AC Milan in 1987 for what was then a world-record transfer fee.

 

In Milan, he became part of the legendary Dutch trio, Gullit, Marco van Basten, and Frank Rijkaard, who transformed the club into a global powerhouse.

 

He won:

•             Three Serie A titles

•             Two European Cups

•             Two Intercontinental Cups

•             Two UEFA Super Cups

 

His power, elegance, versatility, and intelligence made him one of the most complete players of his generation. Milan’s dominance in the late 80s and early 90s can’t be told without his name.

 

Gullit also played for Sampdoria, first on loan and then permanently. There, he:

•             Won the Coppa Italia (1993–94)

•             Became a fan favorite for his creativity and leadership

 

His time in Italy cemented his status as a global star and earned him the 1987 Ballon d’Or, awarded during his Milan years.

 

The Moment Italian Returned to Me

 

Leaving Rome years earlier had slowly eroded my fluency in Italian. For a decade without anyone to speak with, the language I once loved and could write began slipping away.

 

However, seeing Gullit, knowing he had lived and played in Italy, sparked an impulse. I greeted him and said, half-jokingly, half-nostalgically:

 

“Voglio sapere se tu ricordi ancora il tuo italiano, o se io ricordo ancora il mio.” Meaning “I want to know if you still remember your Italian, or if I still remember mine.” He laughed warmly, a genuine, disarming laugh, and replied: “Certo,” meaning “Certainly.”

Related post: Cosa mi ha insegnato viaggiare per il mondo da giornalista africano

Then he responded, smooth, natural, effortless, and as he spoke, something awakened in me. Words I thought I had forgotten began to return. The rhythm, the melody, the familiarity of the language flowed back into my mind.

 

It was as if Gullit had unlocked a door I thought was permanently closed. After a brief exchange, he nodded politely and continued his way. However, the impact of that moment stayed with me.

 

Why This Encounter Still Matters

 

Meeting Ruud Gullit and talking with him was more than meeting a football legend. It was a reminder of identity, memory, and the unexpected ways life reconnects us with our past.

•             He represented Surinamese excellence and his national team, Holland’s (Oranje), on the world stage.

•             He dominated Italian football and became a symbol of Milan’s golden era.

•             He carried himself with humility despite his global fame, and more importantly, the conversation in Italian revived a part of me I thought I had lost.

 

Some encounters last a moment, others last a lifetime; however, this one will stay with me forever.

 

The rising global ritual of cold plunge sauna therapy

 

The image of a person stepping out of a warm wooden sauna into a cold plunge pool, set against light natural tones and soft daylight, highlights the contrast between heat and cold.

The return of ancient wisdom in a modern wellness world. Across Europe, North America, and Asia, cold plunge and sauna rituals have become one of the fastest‑growing wellness trends.

What was once a cultural practice in Nordic and Eastern European communities is now embraced by athletes, office workers, and wellness seekers worldwide. The appeal is simple: people are rediscovering the power of temperature contrast to reset their bodies and minds.

Why Cold and Heat Are Captivating a New Generation

The combination of intense heat followed by a cold plunge creates a physiological shock that many describe as invigorating. While experiences vary, people often report feeling mentally sharper, physically lighter, and emotionally calmer after a session.

The ritual has become a symbol of resilience, a way to step outside comfort zones in a controlled, safe environment.

A Cultural Tradition with Deep Roots

Sauna culture has existed for centuries in Finland, Russia, Turkey, and parts of Asia. Cold immersion has long been part of winter swimming traditions in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.

Today’s global revival blends these traditions with modern wellness spaces, boutique spas, and home installations.

The Science Behind the Sensation

Researchers studying temperature exposure have explored how the body responds to heat and cold. Studies have examined circulation, stress hormones, and recovery markers in athletes.

While findings differ, the consistent theme is that temperature contrast triggers powerful physiological responses that many people find beneficial.

A Ritual of Mindfulness and Discipline

Beyond physical sensations, cold plunge sauna therapy has become a mental practice. People use it to build discipline, reduce stress, and reconnect with their bodies. In a world of constant digital noise, the shock of cold water offers a rare moment of pure presence.

 

A Global Wellness Movement 

From Antwerp to Seoul, from Helsinki to Los Angeles, cold plunge saunas are becoming a shared language of wellness. 

Whether practiced in a luxury spa or a simple backyard tub, the ritual continues to grow as people seek natural ways to feel grounded, energized, and alive. 

The forgotten African soldiers of World War II: Courage, sacrifice, and untold history

 

A photo of African WWII soldiers in uniform standing together outdoors.

The history of World War II is often told through the lens of Europe, America, and Asia, leaving out the millions of Africans who fought, bled, and died on distant battlefields.

These soldiers came from British, French, Belgian, and Portuguese colonies, yet their contributions remain largely invisible in mainstream narratives. Their courage shaped the outcome of the war, but their stories were buried under decades of silence.

 

Across West, East, Central, and North Africa, young men were recruited, sometimes voluntarily, sometimes through force, to join the Allied forces. They fought in some of the most brutal campaigns: Burma, Ethiopia, North Africa, Madagascar, and the Middle East.

 

Many marched through jungles, deserts, and mountains with inadequate equipment, poor rations, and little medical support. Yet they stood firm, driven by duty, loyalty, or the hope of a better future after the war.

 

The Tirailleurs Sénégalais, the King’s African Rifles, the Nigerian Regiment, the Gold Coast Regiment, and the Congolese Force Publique were among the most notable units.

 

Their bravery was undeniable. African troops helped liberate Ethiopia from Italian occupation, fought fiercely in Burma against Japanese forces, and protected vital supply routes that kept the Allies alive. Without them, the war’s outcome might have been very different.

 

Despite their sacrifices, African soldiers returned home to broken promises. Many were denied pensions, recognition, or equal treatment. Some faced discrimination from the very governments they fought to defend.

 

Their stories were overshadowed by colonial narratives that minimized African contributions to global events. Today, historians and descendants are working to restore these forgotten voices.

 

The legacy of African soldiers in World War II is not just a footnote; it is a testament to resilience, courage, and the human cost of a war that reshaped the world. Their stories deserve to be told, remembered, and honored.