Utrecht plus big decisions

A trip into Utrecht, where purchases were to be made, namely material to cover a chair at our house, and a new coffee machine for Aaron.  Big decisions.

We woke to glorious weather.   Perfect.   We split into two groups.  The girls, Kylie, Mia, Abi and I rode our bikes, because it was a beautiful day and we wanted to go to the fabric market.   The boys, Walter, Aaron and Raphy took the train, because they needed to carry the new coffee machine home. 

After looking at many, many pieces of fabric I made a decision, with the help of Kylie, Mia and Abi.  The choice was the spotted material in the photograph below.   As we now have a very conservative black leather lounge and grey chairs, a bit of colour  and pattern was definitely needed.  So we intend to cover our remaining chair with this fabric.  Then I had a bright idea, why not make some cushion covers to use on the new lounge suite.  Well we now have enough material to make cushion covers for the whole family, due to my difficulties with estimations. I think the stall holder appreciated my very large and expensive purchase.  

Then it was time to meet up with Walter, Aaron and Raphy for lunch.  Great cafe, with the most delicious sandwich fillings.  Not expensive either.  I forgot to mention the excellent apple tart, shared of course.  Too many calories there.

The Dutchman man, who owns the cafe, used to live in Adelaide, and he had a wonderful, very large, photograph of the Central Market hanging on the back wall.  Unfortunately, no photograph, due to a large group of people sitting at the table, right underneath the photograph.  I am quite sure they did not want to be part of the photograph.

Then it was off to the shop that sold coffee machines in order to obtain our opinion, Kylie's and mine, that is.

I was fascinated by the hand pump coffee machines.   All very glittery and showy and difficult to use.  Training was definitely needed in order to use these machines.

Aaron and Walter looking at the huge array of coffee machines.   Such a difficult decision, trying to find a machine that makes perfect coffee.

The big discussion outside the coffee machine shop.  Serious business.

Meanwhile I took advantage of the beautiful day to take photographs of the local scenes, people sunning themselves outside the cafe, parked bicycles and

beautiful canals bordered by fresh green trees.

Mia and Abi pretending to be bored!  I love the furniture in this shop.  So many colours and designs.

The new coffee machine sitting in the corner of the kitchen.  And yes it does make delicious and hot coffee.   Perfect.

But on Saturday we set off home, Aaron and Walter, with caffeine overload due to many, many coffee samplings from machines.  But a decision had been made, they also carried a machine with them.

Raphy, probably had a boring day, although he had eaten plenty of hot chips, which are his favourite food, other than ice creams.

We, on the other hand, had a slight problem, as we were one bicycle less on the way home, due to someone stealing Kylie's bicycle.  A major problem in this country. So Kylie rode Mia's bike, who rode Abi's bike, and we had turns about doubling Abi.  Such is the way of life here.

But on the whole, a very successful day.  And very enjoyable too.