Countryside, Houten

I am always fascinated by the array of farms and gardens in the Netherlands.    And it can all be seen easily by riding your bicycle to the edge of cities and towns.  

Not far from Aaron and Kylie's house there is a flourishing community vegetable garden, which includes rustic seats and table.   Now I have never seen anyone work in this garden, but they must do so, as it is so well kept.    There was once an old and unused portable classroom on the site.   And when it was dismantled and taken away, a garden was quickly established.     An excellent use of land, that was no longer needed by the school.

There is very pretty wild flower area in front of the community garden.  Or at least it was a pretty wild flower area, during summer.   Of course now the flowers are setting seed and quite bedraggled.   

I love these llamas, in the field opposite the camping ground.    Such intelligent looking creatures.   And very alert.

These cows, having gorged themselves on lush grass all summer, are in sleepy mode, I think.    I also saw some big fat spotted sheep, but could not stop to take photographs due to Walter racing ahead on his bicycle.   He is not interested in all the lovely animals.

The converted barn!  Now a very smart and upmarket cafe/restaurant plus bakery, called Vroeg.   The literal meaning of Vroeg is 'early' and it is open early in the morning and serves a very good breakfast.   Well, we can only judge that by the number of people still eating breakfast when we arrive for coffee at 10 a.m.   Vroeg is in the village of Bunnik, which is only a few kilometres from the edge of Utrecht.

Our coffee was excellent, with thick and foamy milk.   Of course we could not resist an apple tart each,  covered with fresh and very thick cream.   Such indulgence.  

The loaves of bread lying on the shelves, ready for people like us to buy, and take home for our lunch.,

The farmland around the cafe/restaurant has many old concrete bunkers, sealed up of course, which were part of the old fortification system.   I suppose it was not worth the effort to dig them all up, considering there was probably more concrete underneath the ground than on top.    A bit like an iceberg.

 I look very happy, and no wonder, considering that I have just consumed an apple tart with cream, plus a very milky coffee.   I cannot even justify such indulgence, by claiming that I will work it off, on the bicycle ride home   Especially as the countryside is flat, and the cycling leisurely.

But tomorrow we will visit Vroeg again.    And more apple tart and cream.    My mouth waters just thinking about it.