I ran across some pictures that reminded me of a part of our trip to the Netherlands and other parts of Europe over the Christmas holiday. I tried to document details nearly every day, but it became impossible. I keep remembering things and recalling events. We had really looked forward to this trip.
Part of the trip was a Rhine River cruise, then the other part was being able to see the overseas kids for Christmas. Weirdly, the area we were in was something along the same latitude of southern Canada or Nova Scotia, but the weather was actually colder here at home than it was where we were. The kids live a bit north, but more like west of Amsterdam. I think they have enjoyed not being in the metropolis of Amsterdam, yet they have been able to experience practically everything that Amsterdam has to offer. The museums were world class, and my son's graduate program held many events at the EYE, a film archive and museum which is well known.
The canals, the Anne Frank House -- you could easily spend several days there if you are in the area. We FaceTimed with the kids today, and they could hardly believe their stay there is less than a month away from ending. They talked about how they were trying to look up and around while they walked or rode their bikes. They are trying to make mental notes about all the old buildings, churches, gardens and scenery that they pass by everyday. They want to take it all in, and they anticipate another culture shock when they return here. They said it is bittersweet, but they are excited to see family and friends they haven't seen except on a screen for nearly a year.
I know I have shown a picture of this view before, it's from their living room window. The days are very long right now. They said that the sun might start to come up around 4:00 AM, and it usually stays light until nearly 11:00 PM. Being on the top floor (2nd, but actually 3rd -- in Europe), they have an arched ceiling with big windows in their bedroom.
If you can sleep in the daylight, you're in luck.
One day we were able to train down to the southernmost part of the Netherlands, to what they call the farm country. It looks quite different in the south than up north near the coast. The kids had been there before, because we have friends that are living there. How coincidental is that? People my age, almost, from our little hometown in the center of the United States arrive at their new home in the Netherlands one month or so before the kids move over to start school. They have kids about the same age, and it was so wonderful for them to all meet each other right off the bat when they arrived. The whole family enabled them to get some of their belongings shipped over, and they even made a delivery or two. They have been so good to the kids. It's the sort of kindness that you know you can never repay.
So we have our son, rockin the blue suede shoes, my lovely D.I.L., and the friends' daughter and son. Such dang cute grown up kids. They had some fun opportunities during the year to see some great soccer, a concert, and they even spent a weekend with the family in the super cool 400 year old house they are calling home.
They said I could post whatever I want, but I'm just leaving it at "friends from high school." If you know me, you probably know at least one of them. They have always been incredibly generous and accommodating when we have visited them. We are indebted. We went into town that evening and ate dinner outside at a cafe. They have many outdoor heaters, provide blankets -- it was just so cozy. There was a holiday market going on... an atmosphere that was unforgettable. Hope to get to see them again soon.
