Back to the Netherlands

A few months ago we decided we would like to fly to the Netherlands to visit Aaron, Kylie, Mia, Abi and Raphy.   

So with Walter's wonky knee and our advancing ages we decided the only way that we could do it, was to fly Business Class.  We chose Qatar Air and stopped in Doha.    So with a few inward breaths we paid out the money.

Most of the planes have Q Suites which is where the generous seats are surrounded by walls so that each person has their own compact little sleeping compartment.   A little claustrophobic but it enables you to forgot about other passengers.    However, you still experience turbulence and feel every bump. Plus get jet lag when you get to your destination.    Nothing changes there.

Walter settled in his little compartment.   Unfortunately his seat malfunctioned and would not move from the sitting up position so he had to move to another seat. 

Walter in his pyjamas, which are supplied for all long haul flights.   Then the seat folds down into a bed, which the air hostess makes up with sheets and pillows.   Now that was luxurious.    And I slept for a couple of hours until my legs got cramp!   Lack of salt no doubt.   Will rectify that on the way back.

Interestingly the pyjamas are very comfortable, and the socks are very warm.    Quality is much better in Business Class.

And for me, the best part was the small servings of food, plus choice, and I could just eat one course, rather than the whole menu.    Unlike in Economy Class where you are presented with a tray of food which is very off putting.

Interestingly we were always first on, and off the plane, not due to Business Class tickets but because Walter has a walker.    People needing assistance go through passport control and security ahead of the queue.   In Doha we were able to ride on the electric cars.   And even better we went straight through the very long queue of 'others' at the passport area in Schiphol   Now that is fantastic as the UK is no longer part of the European Union and therefore are part of the 'other nationalities'.   My UK passport is useless here! 

The very large and busy Business Class lounge in Doha.

                                         

The view towards the city of Doha, shrouded in smog or early morning mist or dust.   It was certainly very hazy out there.

Finally the Netherlands, and so lovely to see the family.    

The first few days were quite warm, with the temperatures reaching 22 degrees on one of the days.  Since then the day temperature has been much less, between 12 and 18 degrees during the day, and 1 or 2 degrees at night time.    However, the skies have remained blue and there is sunshine every day.   Perfect.

The Rond, Houten, with the large open space surrounded by flats, shops and restaurants.     

Sadly the shops behind the the buildings above are mostly empty now, due to some shops being relocated to the shopping centre and some closing completely.   The idea is to build social housing where the shops used to be, which is a fine idea, but the heart has been taken out of Houten.    

We have an apartment in a block of apartments, right in the heart of Houten, next to the railway station and opposite the shopping centre, with a bike path and canal in between.

The apartment block is called Joinn!, which is a combination of two words, 'Join' and 'Inn'.    The exclamation mark is meant to emphasise the positive dynamic within the concept of the building.    Joinn! was situated in a former office of the Dutch railway and post office, but the building stood empty between 2008 and 2015.   Two brothers converted the building into apartments, a cafe/restaurant plus an area for events.    Sadly the cafe/restaurant closed during the Covid epidemic and has not reopened, which was a pity as it had great views.

The kitchen, dining and lounge area of the apartment.   

                                         
The double bed, a little small for two large people but we manage.    The bathroom is next to the bedroom, all very compact in a square box.   However warm and comfortable.

The balcony, with fake grass on the floor!   A great view though.

I have hired a bike, no electric support, no gears and it has foot brakes.   But it rides well.   I do have to make a bit of an effort riding over the many bridges though.

Still lots of daffodils about.

I know that in the past I have posted many blogs about Houten, and Utrecht, and other places in the Netherlands.   However there is always something a little different or new.