We have arrived back at our Dutch home in Nieuwkoop, a suburb of Amsterdam. Actually it is Anne and Hans' home. It is so wonderful to have friends who live in a wonderful place and are so hospitable. We always know we will be well taken care of when we are here. Last time we visited, we helped Hans and Anne work on their new home. It is coming a long nicely and will be absolutely beautiful when it is completed.
When we visit, we thoroughly enjoy boating on the lake near their home. We lucked out and had a beautiful day--a little cold but very sunny. Mark and Hans even got sunburns!
Apparently Nieuwkoop use to have many thatch providers. However, since less than 1 percent of the Dutch homes have thatched roofs, this business is now one of the few thatch providers left.
As I said, there isn't a better brunch than chez Anne. Amy, you were missed!
Today, we also got to catch up with our friend John. I met John when he was in graduate school at Northeastern University many, many years ago.
When we visit, we thoroughly enjoy boating on the lake near their home. We lucked out and had a beautiful day--a little cold but very sunny. Mark and Hans even got sunburns!
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| Lake near Nieuwkoop |
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| Mark and Hans on the electric boat on the canal |
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| Thatch |
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| Anne and Aussie
Nieuwkoop has a petting zoo and lots of birds. We saw a swan nesting, some coots swimming in the canal, geese, goats, sheep and deer. And then we had the pleasure of enjoying Aussie, Anne and Hans' dog and Misty, his sister who was visiting.
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| A swan and his reflection |
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| The Nieuwkoop petting zoo |
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| Hans and Anne on their way to a friend's wedding |
Hans travels so much for business and Anne is working so hard on getting their new home ready, it was nice for them to have a chance to enjoy each other's company. Here they are all dolled up just before they went to a friend's wedding.
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| Brunch Anne style: There isn't a better brunch |
As I said, there isn't a better brunch than chez Anne. Amy, you were missed!
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| John and Anne, old and dear friends from Carol's Boston's days |
We are off tomorrow on our last adventure before we head back to the States. We will be taking a 12 night cruise to the Baltic. Then it is back to the States via Iceland. The year has gone so quickly but we look forward to seeing our family and friends as we drive from Boston to Mercer Island.
You are so lucky to be making a trip like this! Amazing. Why don't you turn some of this into a book or at least articles? Let me know if you want or need help doing it.
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