A Day in Utrecht

On Saturday we went to Utrecht to celebtrate Aaron's birthday. And what a lovely day it was too. Sunny and warm. And the city centre was full of people, all making the most of the last of the warm Autumn weather.

First stop, in the station, was for coffee at a trendy little cafe.  Then outside into the lovely warm air.   And the first look at the narrow streets and quaint old buildings.  Although from the look of the buildings in the photograph below, the buildings are all not old or quaint.

 Aaron, Walter and Raphy did a few jobs, then they went off to the toy railway shop, which is a favourite place for Raphy.

And the girls, Kylie, Mia, Abi and I, went off to the fabric market.  To spend our money on bits and pieces. But what is this? A green bike locked in a most unusual position.

 And what a variety of materials on display. All one needs is plenty of time and a sewing machine plus some creative thought.  We were all happy with our purchases; Kylie bought a large range of buttons for her button project, Abi bought a ribbon in order to make a fancy hairband plus some net, Mia bought some shiny bright coloured material to make fashion clothing and I bought 2 pieces of material to make table cloths for the caravan plus bright coloured plastic to cover another table.  We were all very happy.

 But then on the way to meet the men, I saw the most amazing red velvet jacket in a vintage clothing shop, which is a flash name for a second hand shop with more expensive prices. But the red velvet jacket was a temptation I could not resist, so after spending so little money at the fabric market I then ruined the budget by purchasing the jacket. A photo will follow.

 A jolly street organ playing loud music. I am sure they were following us around.

 

The balloon fairy won Raphy's heart by making him a balloon dog.

 

 Mia and Abi posiing on a very posh couch.

 After a delicious and very long lunch we walked back to the train, through very busy streets.

 The Dom, rising above the buildings and trees, looking very impressive, and dominated the skyline.  But always on a lean.  I have about 10 photographs which show the tower is on a lean.  The Leaning Tower of Utrecht? Or too much red wine for lunch perhaps.

 And on this note I finish this blog, still mystified about my inability to get a photograph of a straight tower.