{"id":185,"date":"2026-10-06T11:47:51","date_gmt":"2026-10-06T11:47:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/whenthenwasnow.com\/?page_id=185"},"modified":"2026-10-10T08:18:31","modified_gmt":"2026-10-10T08:18:31","slug":"about-martin","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/whenthenwasnow.com\/nl\/about-martin\/","title":{"rendered":"About Martin"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><!-- TG4Y About Martin v4 \u2014 AEO intro + improved Why I Do This layout --><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull tg4y-about-page is-layout-flow wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b4d04ffe wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<style>\nbody:has(.tg4y-about-page) {\n\t--tg4y-gutter:clamp(24px,7.2917vw,140px);\n\t--tg4y-content-max:1640px;\n\t--tg4y-col-gap:32px;\n\t--tg4y-card-pad:22px;\n\t--tg4y-navy:#031833;\n\t--tg4y-gold:#cbb090;\n\t--tg4y-brown:#aa8469;\n\t--tg4y-paper:#e8ded2;\n\t--tg4y-white:#fff;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-page,\n.tg4y-about-page * { box-sizing:border-box; }\n\n.tg4y-about-page {\n\twidth:100%!important;\n\tmax-width:none!important;\n\tmargin:0!important;\n\tpadding:0!important;\n\tfont-family:Montserrat,\"Montserrat Fallback\",sans-serif;\n\tcolor:var(--tg4y-navy);\n\tbackground:#fff;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-page>* {\n\tmargin-block-start:0!important;\n\tmargin-block-end:0!important;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-page figure { margin:0!important; }\n.tg4y-about-page a { text-decoration:none; }\n\n.tg4y-about-inner {\n\twidth:calc(100% - (2 * var(--tg4y-gutter)));\n\tmax-width:var(--tg4y-content-max);\n\tmargin-left:auto!important;\n\tmargin-right:auto!important;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-grid>*,\n.tg4y-about-inner>* {\n\tmargin-block-start:0!important;\n\tmargin-block-end:0!important;\n}\n\n\/* WordPress template spacing + footer alignment *\/\nbody:has(.tg4y-about-page),\nbody:has(.tg4y-about-page) .wp-site-blocks,\nbody:has(.tg4y-about-page) main,\nbody:has(.tg4y-about-page) .wp-block-post-content {\n\tbackground:var(--tg4y-navy)!important;\n}\n\nbody:has(.tg4y-about-page) .wp-site-blocks { gap:0!important; }\n\nbody:has(.tg4y-about-page) .wp-site-blocks>*,\nbody:has(.tg4y-about-page) .wp-block-post-content>*,\nbody:has(.tg4y-about-page) .wp-block-template-part {\n\tmargin-block-start:0!important;\n\tmargin-block-end:0!important;\n}\n\nbody:has(.tg4y-about-page) .wp-block-post-content {\n\twidth:100%!important;\n\tmax-width:none!important;\n\tmargin:0!important;\n\tpadding:0!important;\n}\n\nbody:has(.tg4y-about-page) .tg4y-global-footer {\n\tmargin-top:-1px!important;\n\tpadding-left:var(--tg4y-gutter)!important;\n\tpadding-right:var(--tg4y-gutter)!important;\n}\n\nbody:has(.tg4y-about-page) .tg4y-footer-inner {\n\twidth:100%!important;\n\tmax-width:var(--tg4y-content-max)!important;\n\tmargin-left:auto!important;\n\tmargin-right:auto!important;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-page .wp-block-buttons { margin:0!important; }\n\n.tg4y-about-page .wp-block-button__link {\n\tdisplay:flex;\n\talign-items:center;\n\tjustify-content:center;\n\tmin-height:44px;\n\tpadding:10px 16px;\n\tborder-radius:5px;\n\tborder:1px solid var(--tg4y-gold);\n\tbackground:var(--tg4y-gold);\n\tcolor:#fff;\n\tfont-size:15px;\n\tfont-weight:700;\n\tline-height:1.15;\n\ttext-align:center;\n}\n\n\/* 01 HERO *\/\n.tg4y-about-hero {\n\tposition:relative;\n\toverflow:hidden;\n\tmin-height:305px;\n\tbackground-color:var(--tg4y-navy);\n\tbackground-image:url('\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/martin-guide-background.webp');\n\tbackground-repeat:no-repeat;\n\tbackground-size:contain;\n\tbackground-position:100% 50%;\n\tcolor:#fff;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-hero::before {\n\tcontent:\"\";\n\tposition:absolute;\n\tinset:0;\n\tbackground:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(3,24,51,.98) 0%,rgba(3,24,51,.82) 38%,rgba(3,24,51,.28) 68%,rgba(3,24,51,.02) 100%);\n\tpointer-events:none;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-hero-inner {\n\tposition:relative;\n\tz-index:1;\n\tpadding-top:142px;\n\tpadding-bottom:54px;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-hero-copy {\n\twidth:58%;\n\tmax-width:760px;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-hero h1 {\n\tmargin:0 0 4px;\n\tcolor:var(--tg4y-gold);\n\tfont-size:48px;\n\tfont-weight:400;\n\tline-height:1.08;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-hero p {\n\tmargin:0;\n\tcolor:#fff;\n\tfont-size:18px;\n\tline-height:1.35;\n}\n\n\/* 02 OPENING QUOTE *\/\n.tg4y-about-opening {\n\tbackground:var(--tg4y-navy);\n\tcolor:#fff;\n\tpadding:12px 0 26px;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-opening-copy {\n\twidth:100%;\n\tmax-width:820px;\n\tmargin:0 auto!important;\n\ttext-align:center;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-opening-mark {\n\tmargin:0 0 10px!important;\n\tcolor:var(--tg4y-gold);\n\tfont-size:15px;\n\tline-height:1;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-opening-text {\n\tmargin:0!important;\n\tcolor:#fff;\n\tfont-size:16px;\n\tline-height:1.9;\n}\n\n\/* 03 WHY I DO THIS *\/\n.tg4y-about-why {\n\tbackground:#fff;\n\tpadding:34px 0 38px;\n\tcolor:var(--tg4y-navy);\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-why-grid {\n\tdisplay:grid;\n\tgrid-template-columns:minmax(0,1.05fr) minmax(0,.95fr);\n\tgap:28px var(--tg4y-col-gap);\n\talign-items:center;\n}\n\n\/* New AEO introduction across the full row *\/\n.tg4y-about-aeo-intro {\n\tgrid-column:1 \/ -1;\n\tmax-width:1050px;\n\tpadding:0 0 25px;\n\tborder-bottom:1px solid rgba(170,132,105,.32);\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-aeo-intro p {\n\tmargin:0!important;\n\tcolor:var(--tg4y-navy);\n\tfont-size:19px;\n\tfont-weight:400;\n\tline-height:1.65;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-why-copy {\n\tpadding-right:18px;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-eyebrow {\n\tmargin:0 0 13px!important;\n\tcolor:var(--tg4y-brown);\n\tfont-size:14px;\n\tfont-weight:700;\n\tline-height:1.15;\n\ttext-transform:uppercase;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-why h2,\n.tg4y-about-history h2,\n.tg4y-about-stories h2,\n.tg4y-about-faq h2 {\n\tmargin:0 0 22px;\n\tcolor:var(--tg4y-navy);\n\tfont-size:34px;\n\tfont-weight:500;\n\tline-height:1.12;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-why p,\n.tg4y-about-history p,\n.tg4y-about-publishing p,\n.tg4y-about-stories p {\n\tmargin:0 0 18px!important;\n\tcolor:var(--tg4y-navy);\n\tfont-size:16px;\n\tline-height:1.5;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-why p:last-child,\n.tg4y-about-history p:last-child,\n.tg4y-about-publishing p:last-child,\n.tg4y-about-stories p:last-child { margin-bottom:0!important; }\n\n.tg4y-about-why-image {\n\talign-self:stretch;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-why-image img {\n\tdisplay:block;\n\twidth:100%;\n\theight:100%;\n\tmin-height:320px;\n\tobject-fit:cover;\n\tobject-position:center center;\n}\n\n\/* 04 THREE ROLES *\/\n.tg4y-about-roles {\n\tbackground:var(--tg4y-navy);\n\tcolor:var(--tg4y-gold);\n\tpadding:20px 0 28px;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-roles-grid {\n\tdisplay:grid;\n\tgrid-template-columns:220px repeat(3,minmax(0,1fr));\n\tgap:var(--tg4y-col-gap);\n\talign-items:start;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-portrait {\n\tdisplay:flex;\n\tjustify-content:center;\n\talign-items:flex-start;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-portrait img {\n\tdisplay:block;\n\twidth:168px;\n\theight:168px;\n\tborder-radius:50%;\n\tobject-fit:cover;\n\tobject-position:center 28%;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-role h3 {\n\tmargin:0 0 12px;\n\tcolor:var(--tg4y-gold);\n\tfont-size:17px;\n\tfont-weight:700;\n\tline-height:1.2;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-role p {\n\tmargin:0!important;\n\tcolor:var(--tg4y-gold);\n\tfont-size:14px;\n\tline-height:1.5;\n}\n\n\/* 05 BRINGING HISTORY HOME *\/\n.tg4y-about-history {\n\tbackground:#fff;\n\tpadding:22px 0 34px;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-history-grid {\n\tdisplay:grid;\n\tgrid-template-columns:minmax(0,1.55fr) 170px minmax(230px,.9fr);\n\tgap:var(--tg4y-col-gap);\n\talign-items:start;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-history h2 {\n\tfont-size:34px;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-flier {\n\tdisplay:flex;\n\tjustify-content:center;\n\tpadding-top:10px;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-flier img {\n\tdisplay:block;\n\twidth:128px;\n\theight:170px;\n\tobject-fit:cover;\n\tobject-position:center top;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-vive {\n\tpadding-top:74px;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-vive figure {\n\tmargin-top:14px!important;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-vive img {\n\tdisplay:block;\n\twidth:100%;\n\tmax-width:230px;\n\theight:auto;\n}\n\n\/* 06 BOOKS \/ ONLINE STORIES *\/\n.tg4y-about-publishing {\n\tbackground:#fff;\n\tpadding:18px 0 34px;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-pub-grid {\n\tdisplay:grid;\n\tgrid-template-columns:minmax(190px,.85fr) repeat(3,minmax(0,1fr));\n\tgap:var(--tg4y-col-gap);\n\talign-items:start;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-pub-intro {\n\tpadding-top:4px;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-pub-intro h3 {\n\tmargin:0 0 20px;\n\tcolor:var(--tg4y-navy);\n\tfont-size:16px;\n\tfont-weight:700;\n\tline-height:1.2;\n\ttext-transform:uppercase;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-online {\n\tmargin-top:54px;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-substack-image {\n\tmargin-top:18px!important;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-substack-image img {\n\tdisplay:block;\n\twidth:100%;\n\tmax-width:230px;\n\theight:auto;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-book figure {\n\twidth:100%;\n\tmax-width:260px;\n\tmargin:0 auto 14px!important;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-book figure img {\n\tdisplay:block;\n\twidth:100%;\n\theight:278px;\n\tobject-fit:contain;\n\tobject-position:center bottom;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-book h3 {\n\tmargin:0 0 18px;\n\tcolor:var(--tg4y-navy);\n\tfont-size:28px;\n\tfont-weight:500;\n\tline-height:1.05;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-book p {\n\tfont-size:15px;\n\tline-height:1.55;\n}\n\n\/* 07 TESTIMONIAL STRIP *\/\n.tg4y-about-testimonial {\n\tbackground:var(--tg4y-navy);\n\tcolor:#fff;\n\tpadding:18px 0 22px;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-testimonial-grid {\n\tdisplay:grid;\n\tgrid-template-columns:180px minmax(0,1fr);\n\tgap:24px;\n\talign-items:center;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-lucy {\n\tdisplay:flex;\n\tjustify-content:center;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-lucy img {\n\tdisplay:block;\n\twidth:115px;\n\theight:115px;\n\tborder-radius:50%;\n\tobject-fit:cover;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-testimonial-copy {\n\ttext-align:center;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-testimonial-mark {\n\tmargin:0 0 2px!important;\n\tcolor:var(--tg4y-gold);\n\tfont-family:Georgia,serif;\n\tfont-size:58px;\n\tfont-weight:700;\n\tline-height:.7;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-testimonial-text {\n\tmargin:0!important;\n\tcolor:#fff;\n\tfont-size:16px;\n\tline-height:1.4;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-testimonial-author {\n\tmargin:3px 0 0!important;\n\tcolor:#fff;\n\tfont-size:15px;\n\tfont-style:italic;\n\tline-height:1.35;\n}\n\n\/* 08 STORIES FROM THE ROAD *\/\n.tg4y-about-stories {\n\tbackground:#fff;\n\tpadding:18px 0 22px;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-stories-grid {\n\tdisplay:grid;\n\tgrid-template-columns:minmax(190px,.85fr) repeat(3,minmax(0,1fr));\n\tgap:14px;\n\talign-items:stretch;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-stories-intro {\n\tpadding-right:12px;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-stories h2 {\n\tfont-size:34px;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-story-card {\n\tdisplay:flex;\n\tflex-direction:column;\n\tmin-width:0;\n\tborder-left:1px solid var(--tg4y-gold);\n\tborder-right:1px solid var(--tg4y-gold);\n\tpadding:0 12px 14px;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-story-card figure {\n\tmargin:0 -2px 14px!important;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-story-card figure img {\n\tdisplay:block;\n\twidth:100%;\n\theight:auto;\n\taspect-ratio:1.6 \/ 1;\n\tobject-fit:cover;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-story-card h3 {\n\tmargin:0 0 14px;\n\tcolor:var(--tg4y-navy);\n\tfont-size:25px;\n\tfont-weight:400;\n\tline-height:1.12;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-story-card p {\n\tmargin:0 0 18px!important;\n\tfont-size:15px;\n\tline-height:1.35;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-story-link {\n\tmargin-top:auto;\n\tcolor:var(--tg4y-brown);\n\tfont-size:15px;\n\tfont-weight:700;\n\tline-height:1.2;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-stories-intro .wp-block-buttons {\n\tmargin-top:24px!important;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-stories-intro .wp-block-button__link {\n\tbackground:var(--tg4y-gold);\n\tborder-color:var(--tg4y-gold);\n\tcolor:#fff;\n}\n\n\/* 09 FAQ *\/\n.tg4y-about-faq {\n\tbackground:var(--tg4y-navy);\n\tcolor:#fff;\n\tpadding:22px 0 24px;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-faq-grid {\n\tdisplay:grid;\n\tgrid-template-columns:minmax(280px,.82fr) minmax(0,1.7fr);\n\tgap:48px;\n\talign-items:start;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-faq h2 {\n\tcolor:#fff;\n\tfont-size:34px;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-faq-intro p {\n\tmargin:0!important;\n\tcolor:#fff;\n\tfont-size:15px;\n\tline-height:1.65;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-faq-list {\n\tborder-top:1px solid rgba(203,176,144,.55);\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-faq-item {\n\tmargin:0!important;\n\tborder-bottom:1px solid rgba(203,176,144,.55);\n\tcolor:#fff;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-faq-item summary {\n\tposition:relative;\n\tpadding:16px 34px 16px 0;\n\tcolor:var(--tg4y-gold);\n\tfont-size:15px;\n\tline-height:1.3;\n\tcursor:pointer;\n\tlist-style:none;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-faq-item summary::-webkit-details-marker { display:none; }\n\n.tg4y-about-faq-item summary::after {\n\tcontent:\"+\";\n\tposition:absolute;\n\tright:4px;\n\ttop:50%;\n\ttransform:translateY(-50%);\n\tcolor:var(--tg4y-gold);\n\tfont-size:17px;\n\tfont-weight:400;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-faq-item[open] summary::after { content:\"\u2212\"; }\n\n.tg4y-about-faq-item>p {\n\tmargin:0!important;\n\tpadding:0 34px 16px 0;\n\tcolor:#fff;\n\tfont-size:14px;\n\tline-height:1.55;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-faq-item>p+p {\n\tpadding-top:0;\n}\n\n\/* 10 NOT SO FAQ *\/\n.tg4y-about-notfaq {\n\tbackground:var(--tg4y-paper);\n\tcolor:var(--tg4y-navy);\n\tpadding:24px 0 26px;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-notfaq-grid {\n\tdisplay:grid;\n\tgrid-template-columns:minmax(280px,.82fr) minmax(0,1.7fr);\n\tgap:48px;\n\talign-items:start;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-notfaq h2 {\n\tmargin:0;\n\tcolor:var(--tg4y-brown);\n\tfont-size:34px;\n\tfont-weight:400;\n\tline-height:1.15;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-notfaq .tg4y-about-faq-list {\n\tborder-top:0;\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-notfaq .tg4y-about-faq-item {\n\tborder-bottom:1px solid rgba(170,132,105,.45);\n\tcolor:var(--tg4y-navy);\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-notfaq .tg4y-about-faq-item summary {\n\tcolor:var(--tg4y-navy);\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-notfaq .tg4y-about-faq-item summary::after {\n\tcolor:var(--tg4y-navy);\n}\n\n.tg4y-about-notfaq .tg4y-about-faq-item>p {\n\tcolor:var(--tg4y-navy);\n}\n\n@media(max-width:1024px) {\n\tbody:has(.tg4y-about-page) {\n\t\t--tg4y-gutter:48px;\n\t\t--tg4y-col-gap:24px;\n\t}\n\n\t.tg4y-about-roles-grid {\n\t\tgrid-template-columns:170px repeat(3,minmax(0,1fr));\n\t}\n\n\t.tg4y-about-history-grid {\n\t\tgrid-template-columns:minmax(0,1.4fr) 140px minmax(190px,.9fr);\n\t}\n\n\t.tg4y-about-pub-grid,\n\t.tg4y-about-stories-grid {\n\t\tgap:18px;\n\t}\n\n\t.tg4y-about-book figure img { height:230px; }\n}\n\n@media(max-width:782px) {\n\tbody:has(.tg4y-about-page) {\n\t\t--tg4y-gutter:20px;\n\t\t--tg4y-col-gap:20px;\n\t}\n\n\t.tg4y-about-hero {\n\t\tmin-height:430px;\n\t\tbackground-position:68% center;\n\t}\n\n\t.tg4y-about-hero::before {\n\t\tbackground:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(3,24,51,.96) 0%,rgba(3,24,51,.78) 62%,rgba(3,24,51,.30) 100%);\n\t}\n\n\t.tg4y-about-hero-inner {\n\t\tpadding-top:150px;\n\t\tpadding-bottom:46px;\n\t}\n\n\t.tg4y-about-hero-copy {\n\t\twidth:100%;\n\t\tmax-width:none;\n\t}\n\n\t.tg4y-about-hero h1 { font-size:39px; }\n\t.tg4y-about-hero p { font-size:17px; }\n\n\t.tg4y-about-why-grid,\n\t.tg4y-about-history-grid,\n\t.tg4y-about-faq-grid,\n\t.tg4y-about-notfaq-grid {\n\t\tgrid-template-columns:1fr;\n\t}\n\n\t.tg4y-about-aeo-intro {\n\t\tgrid-column:auto;\n\t\tpadding-bottom:20px;\n\t}\n\n\t.tg4y-about-aeo-intro p {\n\t\tfont-size:17px;\n\t\tline-height:1.6;\n\t}\n\n\t.tg4y-about-why-copy {\n\t\tpadding-right:0;\n\t}\n\n\t.tg4y-about-why-image img {\n\t\theight:auto;\n\t\tmin-height:0;\n\t\taspect-ratio:1.78\/1;\n\t}\n\n\t.tg4y-about-roles-grid {\n\t\tgrid-template-columns:1fr;\n\t\ttext-align:center;\n\t}\n\n\t.tg4y-about-portrait { margin-bottom:4px; }\n\t.tg4y-about-role { max-width:520px; margin:0 auto!important; }\n\n\t.tg4y-about-history-grid { gap:24px; }\n\t.tg4y-about-flier { justify-content:flex-start; }\n\t.tg4y-about-vive { padding-top:0; }\n\n\t.tg4y-about-pub-grid,\n\t.tg4y-about-stories-grid {\n\t\tgrid-template-columns:1fr;\n\t}\n\n\t.tg4y-about-online { margin-top:30px; }\n\n\t.tg4y-about-book figure {\n\t\tmax-width:240px;\n\t\tmargin-left:0!important;\n\t}\n\n\t.tg4y-about-book figure img { height:auto; }\n\n\t.tg4y-about-testimonial-grid {\n\t\tgrid-template-columns:1fr;\n\t}\n\n\t.tg4y-about-testimonial-copy { text-align:center; }\n\n\t.tg4y-about-story-card {\n\t\tborder:1px solid var(--tg4y-gold);\n\t\tpadding:14px;\n\t}\n\n\t.tg4y-about-story-card figure {\n\t\tmargin:0 0 14px!important;\n\t}\n\n\t.tg4y-about-faq-grid,\n\t.tg4y-about-notfaq-grid {\n\t\tgap:24px;\n\t}\n}\n<\/style>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull tg4y-about-hero is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-inner tg4y-about-hero-inner is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-hero-copy is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About Martin<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Historical investigator, storyteller and private guide<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull tg4y-about-opening is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-inner is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-opening-copy is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"tg4y-about-opening-mark wp-block-paragraph\">_______<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"tg4y-about-opening-text has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;It has been an incredibly rewarding, satisfying and humbling experience meeting all these people on my tours and journeys.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">I\u2019m Martin van Elmpt. I work as a historical investigator, writer, speaker and private guide. Much of my work focuses on World War II, Dutch history and family stories, often combining archive research, places and personal accounts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull tg4y-about-why is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-inner tg4y-about-grid tg4y-about-why-grid is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-why-copy is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"tg4y-about-eyebrow wp-block-paragraph\">A PERSONAL JOURNEY<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why I do this<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I love storytelling, and every good story begins with listening.<br>What motivates someone to book a journey? What do they already know? What are they hoping to discover?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;It&#8217;s your day,&#8221; I always say at the start.<br>When, at the end of the day, I see that my guests have learned something, experienced something meaningful and had a day to remember, I know I&#8217;ve done my job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And I love doing that.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized tg4y-about-why-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/historical-guide-forest.webp\" alt=\"Martin in a forest\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:contain;object-position:50% 51%;width:542px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull tg4y-about-roles is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-inner tg4y-about-grid tg4y-about-roles-grid is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full tg4y-about-portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/martin-van-elmpt-portrait.webp\" alt=\"Martin van Elmpt\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-role is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Historical Investigator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I usually have thirty books around me, a laptop and notepad. I have learned that visiting places, carefully looking around, gives you the deepest insights. And always new questions to think about.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-role is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Storyteller<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I write, talk and make music. Stories from the past, the countryside, the Dutch, and people&#8217;s lives. Everything can be a story, as long as you know how to listen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-role is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Private Guide<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Taking you to places is the most rewarding. People often travel far and have only one chance for a visit, and I love to make sure we make the most of that.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull tg4y-about-history is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-inner tg4y-about-grid tg4y-about-history-grid is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bringing history home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I like to bring history close to home. Experience what it was really like, not the boring facts but real life. I do this through my work as a guide and also in my writing. History for people who wouldn&#8217;t read a history book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes I become Flier de Fluiter, a 16th century troubadour who plays with his group at historical festivals. These are also stories and a lot of fun!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full tg4y-about-flier\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/historical-town-crier.webp\" alt=\"Flier de Fluiter\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-vive is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to see Flier with his group Vive Les Gueux at a historical festival, follow the link below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vivelesgueux.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vive-les-gueux-banner.png\" alt=\"Vive les Gueux\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull tg4y-about-publishing is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-inner tg4y-about-grid tg4y-about-pub-grid is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-pub-intro is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">BOOKS AND<br>PUBLICATIONS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When I am not travelling with guests I also write (online) stories. I have published three works and am working on more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-online is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ONLINE STORIES<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I write about my journeys with you, reflections and just fun stories on Substack. Click the link to follow me there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full tg4y-about-substack-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tourguidesforyou.substack.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/visit-my-substack-button.png\" alt=\"Visit Martin's Substack\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-book is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/book-dat-werkt-anders.webp\" alt=\"Cover of Dat Werkt Anders\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dat Werkt Anders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;An Alternative Way&#8221; is my book about my twenty years of experience in corporate business.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-book is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/alkmaarsche-scheurkalender-2023.webp\" alt=\"De Alkmaarsche Scheurkalender\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">De Alkmaarsche Scheurkalender<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A calendar with every day a story of the year 1573 in Alkmaar, celebrating 450 years of peace since the &#8220;Siege of Alkmaar&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-book is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/book-om-alkmaar.webp\" alt=\"Cover of Om Alkmaar\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Om Alkmaar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A book about Alkmaar for everyone, with stories, photos and drawings. In Dutch and English.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull tg4y-about-testimonial is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-inner tg4y-about-grid tg4y-about-testimonial-grid is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full tg4y-about-lucy\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/lucy-and-lucy.webp\" alt=\"Lucy and Martin\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-testimonial-copy is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"tg4y-about-testimonial-mark wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"tg4y-about-testimonial-text wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Martin is the best kind of guide \u2014 incredibly knowledgeable but also compassionate and thoughtful.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"tg4y-about-testimonial-author wp-block-paragraph\">Lucy Adlington &#8211; Author of &#8220;The Dressmakers of Auschwitz&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull tg4y-about-stories is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-inner tg4y-about-grid tg4y-about-stories-grid is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-stories-intro is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"tg4y-about-eyebrow wp-block-paragraph\">STORIES FROM THE ROAD<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reflections and insights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Books and films are often about people, events, numbers and facts. What really happened fascinates me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/tourguidesforyou.substack.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">READ THE LATEST STORIES<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-story-card is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/school-photo-1940.webp\" alt=\"School photo from 1940\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Long time ago<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAh, Martin\u2026 this was all such a long time ago,\u201d my father used to say when he told me his war stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"tg4y-about-story-link wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tourguidesforyou.substack.com\/p\/a-long-time-ago-my-dads-story\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">READ MORE &gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-story-card is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/hidden-village.webp\" alt=\"War in the forest\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">War in the forest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to try to experience how it was during the war, then the forest is the best place to go to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"tg4y-about-story-link wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tourguidesforyou.substack.com\/p\/the-war-in-the-forest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">READ MORE &gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-story-card is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/wartime-group-photograph.webp\" alt=\"Historical group photograph from the war years\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The scariest picture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A man with an accordion and a group of laughing, flirty young ladies with two officers. They are in uniform, German.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"tg4y-about-story-link wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tourguidesforyou.substack.com\/p\/de-engste-foto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">READ MORE &gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull tg4y-about-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-inner tg4y-about-grid tg4y-about-faq-grid is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-faq-intro is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are some of the questions my guests ask me before or during our time together.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-faq-list is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-details tg4y-about-faq-item is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How did you become interested in history?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">History has fascinated me for as long as I can remember. My parents were teenagers in the war and told me their stories. What I find most interesting is to find the people behind the names and the stories behind the events.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details tg4y-about-faq-item is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What do you enjoy most about guiding?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every guest brings their own interests, experiences and questions. Some of the insights and stories I share today came from conversations with guests over the years. And it&#8217;s nice to spend a good day together.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details tg4y-about-faq-item is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Why do you call yourself a Historical Investigator?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s a joke I came up with when I thought of myself as a bit of a detective. But when I look through sources, visit places, talk to people and think about what happened, this is really what I am.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details tg4y-about-faq-item is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What is your favourite part of history?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I am interested in everything. Every age, every place in time has its own unique footprint. I always liked the 16th century when we started to (re)discover what shapes our lives today. Studying WW2 is becoming my life&#8217;s work.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details tg4y-about-faq-item is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What do you hope guests take away from a journey?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I hope they leave with a deeper understanding of the places they visited, but also with a few stories they will still remember years later. If a journey makes history feel more personal, more human and more relevant, then I have achieved what I set out to do.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull tg4y-about-notfaq is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-inner tg4y-about-grid tg4y-about-notfaq-grid is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Not so<br>Frequently Asked<br>Question<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tg4y-about-faq-list is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-details tg4y-about-faq-item is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Do you know what tree that is?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sorry, no.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask me anything about history and I am usually able to give you an answer, but the names of trees are not my speciality.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>About Martin Historical investigator, storyteller and private guide _______ &#8220;It has been an incredibly rewarding, satisfying and humbling experience meeting all these people on my tours and journeys.&#8221; I\u2019m Martin van Elmpt. I work as a historical investigator, writer, speaker and private guide. Much of my work focuses on World War II, Dutch history and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-185","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/whenthenwasnow.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/185","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/whenthenwasnow.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/whenthenwasnow.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/whenthenwasnow.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/whenthenwasnow.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=185"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/whenthenwasnow.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/185\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":259,"href":"https:\/\/whenthenwasnow.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/185\/revisions\/259"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/whenthenwasnow.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=185"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}