Netherlands

We are back in the Netherlands again.    Familiar ground.    And out on the bicycles within minutes of arriving.    Fantastic.     And again, I notice immediately, the super slim Dutch women, who dress so casually, but so smartly and elegantly.   Age has no bearing.   I never cease to be impressed.    

Yesterday we set off at 6 a.m. after having battled the wind and the rain in order to fit the bike rack, plus two bikes, onto the back of the car.   The wind did not bode well, for a smooth channel crossing.   But undaunted we set off and arrived at the port to be told that there would be a delay, due to the high winds of course.

So we sat on the port with all the other vehicles.   

 In actual fact the wind dropped considerably after we left the port, and except for about half an hour, the crossing was quite smooth.    We managed to get First Class Tickets, with priority boarding and use of the lounge, which was virtually empty, so we were very happy.   A promotion through our booking agent, I think, as we certainly did not pay anything extra.    Walter certainly looks very happy.

 For the next few days we are babysitting, while Aaron and Kylie have a relaxing few days in Berlin.    So today we set off to buy some material for Mia to make some clothes.    Very creative.  

Mia and Raphy having some fun while we wait for the train.

Utrecht was extremely busy, which made moving around with a buggy and two children quite difficult.

However, we set off, Walter with map in hand.     According to Mia we were not going in the right direction, and should head off past the old Post Office, but Walter consulted his map, and maintained we take another street.    There is the market, he maintained, pointing to the map.    But alas, Mia was right, as we ended up back at the railway station again.    So after that we followed Mia's directions.   Often children are right.

I nearly reminded Walter of the time, out in a National Park, when he read the map back to front, and we ended up down in a valley, with out car parked at the top of the range of hills.   A trip that should have taken us three hours but in fact took us about seven hours.   But then I should not point fingers, as I have no sense of direction at all.    At least Walter makes an attempt at map reading.

Once we found the market, it was impressive, stall after stall of every type of material imaginable, and associated ribbons and cottons.

 Mia, with the help of Abi, found just the right type and colour material that she needed.   It was cheap too, only 2 to 3 Euros a metre.

 On the way back we meandered through some of the back streets of Utrecht.    What happened to these bicycles.   Run over by cars?   Squashed by drunks?    They were still locked to the tree.  I am pleased they were not my bicycles.

 That bear that blew bubbles.

 The extensive flower market in full swing.    This is the Netherlands after all.

 The market outside the railway station.    Madness.   Too busy to shop.

 And finally chips, with heaps of mayonnaise, whilst sitting on a bench watching the world go by.    They were delicious chips.    Too many chips and I will not look slim in my tight fitting trousers and jacket, trying to emulate the smart looking Dutch women.

Now, I realise this dress looks like a piece of red material lying on the table.   But in fact it has a neckline, arm holes and the most amazing frill down the middle of the dress.   Unfortunately the models have gone to bed.   

And  to bed is precisely where I need to go also.   Another exciting day tomorrow.