Happy family outing day...... — Amsterdam, Netherlands
What I did
De Hoge Veluwe...and Henny's house.
This morning we started off with a sumptious breakfast at Pensione Kauderer. This definitely deserves a 5star rating, though we will have to take at least half a star off for introducing Richard to Karnemelk ( an interesting yoghurt/milk blend but not as nice as either - we do not suggest mixing the two - do not try this at home) . We will simply notch it up to his experience of Holland - and make a note to give them both a Vegemite sandwich if/when they ever come to visit.
We then had a drive across Holland to the Hoge Veluwe where we met Nicole,Seitse and Michelle and young Casper at one of the main entrances to the park. We also met up with Henny, Dora's sister, to complete the family party. Sadly Jan and Gabrie could not be here with us and we did miss them but that's the way things go.
They have this amazing system (similar to ours in Brisbane actually) where you pick up a "white bike" at the main gate, cycle to the centre where there is this is a great general eating area, kids playground, museum, etc and then leave the bike there. Apparently there are about 500 in the park, and people pick up and drop off the bicycles at various points. Only here it really works as a) you don't need a helmet to ride the thing and b) the whole nation is very comfortable with bikes so there are no road rages or hassles, everyone knows how to behave! It was a beautiful ride...although by our standards there were really no hills , it is the pride of the Dutch for pure scenic beauty and open parkland. Rightly so, because the ride was gorgeous. We are hoping we still feel as good about it when we can't move tomorrow!
We had coffee with the most delicious pastries and cakes ( I scored the moorkop which is my FAVOURITE) and then rode some more...it was quite a decent ride, about 10-12 kilometres, and for every one of those Casper was powering ahead, pedalling as fast as his little legs could manage to run the lead. Had some great photo stops ( will download some soon) .
At the end of this it was about 3.30pm and we drove to a nearby postcard village to have pancakes for dinner. Yummmm. Thank heavens we are here for only a few days, our bodies could not cope with this delicious food for too long I fear.
In the evening we visited Henny for coffee and last chats before we said farewell to everyone except Henk and Dora, as tomorrow we head back to Amsterdam.
Note - the downside of reunions is that one must then leave again. That's the yukky bit. So hard to imagine we will not see them again for who knows how long. A bitter sweet moment of last hugs and stifled tears.
As if giving us a day to remember and filling us with wonderful food and drinks was not enough, the family then gave us a most beautiful book of artistic drawings by well know local artist, Charlotte Dematon. Wow - full of those amazing pictures at which one never tires of looking, constantly discovering new secrets of Holland, with lots of little interesting drawings.
But now it is very late, we are all tired but happy. My head is buzzing with mixed feelings of excitement and regret that we have to leave so soon......in the morning we are off again.
