Huge props to Barbara (I knew I could count on you ) for getting what the title of this blog’s about.

First of all, blog titles containing my name were definitely out, as it would include having to spell it incessantly, since I have quite an unfortunate name in the English-speaking world. Also, any over-the-top proclamations (“belgianbrothersgousa.com” or something) felt a bit childish, and, well, too long. So I needed something that contained (preferably) a cool reference, was not too hard (both for English as for Dutch native speakers), and was concise.

Then, one night, a few weeks before we left, I read Krapp’s Last Tape, which I guess cemented me as a Beckett fan. Basically, it’s about an old man who records a vocal review of the previous year of his life on a spool, and listens to the preceding ones from time to time. In this sense, the blog is like the tapes Krapp makes. Furthermore, it was our first attempt at blogging, hence The First Tape.

Barbara, I must admit I don’t know yet what your prize should be, let me know if you have any suggestions.

-Wouter