Jorge (right photo) and Benjamin (left photo) got to know each other in June 2007. Jorge: “A common friend was looking for two more team mates for the Eindhoven marathon. The idea appealed to both of us, so we started training together.” And successfully so, for in October 2007 they both reached the finish. Although Jorge’s running shoes soon ended up somewhere in a closet, the marathon did herald the beginning of a close friendship.

Meanwhile the two are mates as well as colleagues at the Industrial Design Department: Benjamin is supervisor of Jorge’s PhD project. They even share an office - which they say is a popular refuge for colleagues at the Department. “However, the sole reason for this may be that we have a Nespresso machine”, they smile.
Outside working hours Jorge and Benjamin also spend time together on a regular basis. They only need to cross the road for this, as their apartments are located pposite each other. “And it so happens that our partners are also good friends. They used to live in the same student house in Tilburg.”

At the end of the day their work stays where it should be: at the office. “At home we need to chill out. We go and have coffee, go to the casino or enjoy a meal”, says Benjamin. “And sometimes we go to Burger King, when we are in need of an unhealthy moment!”, adds Jorge with a laugh.

Cultural differences do not bother them. “We are both foreigners in the Netherlands. Our families are far away, so you need someone else to rely on”, Jorge explains. “By now our friendship feels as if we are family. It’s a safe feeling when you know somebody is there for you.” Just like any other family, the two argue occasionally. They will shout at each other for a brief moment, but after five minutes they laugh about it. Benjamin: “It is healthy to argue, but also good to move on. Laughing is the best way to solve things.”