Griftpark

We spent a few hours in Griftpark, Utrecht, with Raphy, on a lovely sunny morning.   And without coffee.  The cafe/restaurant in the park did not open until midday, and the cafes on the street outside the park were closed too.  We have assumed that drinking a morning coffee in a cafe, was not part of the culture here.  No doubt people have already consumed quite a few cups of coffee at home, where it was cheap, by 10 a.m. so have no need for a cafe in, or around a park.

But I digress.   The park was lovely, an oasis in a busy city.   It was surrounded on two sides by houses, and office buildings.   The houses had large windows which looked out onto the park.  And they faced the southern sun. Lucky people, with a view, and a walking area, just seconds from their front doors.

These sculptures stood out among the trees.   

Wistfully looking towards the closed cafe, behind the trees.

In the park there was a small children's farm.  Walter and Raphy waited for the gates to open.

The pigs were enormous.   I am not sure of the breed, but they certainly were the largest pigs I have seen.  Raphy was not impressed.

He certainly did not want to go near the goats.  Mind you some of them had very large horns.

The cows grazing peacefully in their little field.

Raphy enjoyed looking at the wheelbarrow, no doubt wondering about the size, and how it worked.  Technically minded.

This was the most adorable looking rabbit, and very fluffy.

On the way back to the carpark we saw the dirtiest looking bike, with a child's seat on the back.  I wonder how long it had been standing there.

I loved this very new building, with its terracotta walls, and symmetrical windows.  Very ordered.

So into the car, and off we went, in search of an open cafe.   Finally we found one, in McDonalds.   And the coffee was very good too, special price for over 65s.   What more can one want!   Raphy was also happy with his meal.  Lots of sugar.