Kinderdijk

On monday we spent the day at Kinderdijk near Rotterdam. A gang of 19 windmills make this a very scenic place and obviously a tourist magnet. We were lucky that it wasn't busy as the weather has become cooler and overcast. On sunday we spent the day at Zoetermeer catching up with family at Hans and Marianne's house. Guests included Jan and Annie, Jack with daughters Nicole and Leslie, Tante Nel (dad's sister) and Marianne and Hans" kids Jeroen and Eline. After the morning coffee and long lunch we went for a bike ride around the polders and canals near Zoetermeer. Gazed at some pretty windmills along the river and enjoyed the balmy weather conditions.

Kinderdijk gave us the opportunity to get inside a real windmill which was spinning wildly in the breeze. Along the canals here there were many scenic moments which Arkady and Anika enjoyed at high speed on bikes. Arkady is improving his doubling technique with Anika although there were a few close calls where they introduced themselves to the reeds along the canals.

Also drove through Nieuw Lekkerland where Peet's dad was born and Schelluinen where Peet first fished when he was 11, in a tiny "sloot" (canal) and developed his great love for the sport.

First night in the camper

We spent our first night in the camper in a National park near Hoenderloo in the Hoge Veluwe part of the Netherlands. A beautiful Dutch forest perfect for bike-riding and wildlife spotting. After initial problems setting up electricity connections etc. we got our act together and remembered instructions. An early evening bike ride through magical wooded forest or "bossen" revealed one startled deer with huge antlers and many shadow movements that could have been wild boar or eagles or squirrels.

The next morning we also rode through the park to get to the Kroller-Muller museum which includes an excellent Van Gogh collection as well as a beautifully landscaped sculpture garden.

Lovely warm weather and a saturday time slot meant that all of Holland was out riding bikes on the Hoge Veluwe.

Saturday afternoon we made our way to Driebergen where Peet's cousin Marianne and Ria had 2 bikes ready for the kids. Unfortunately the entire roadwork in Holland is being upgraded all at once and every road and small town has yellow road markings, flashing lights and the dreaded "omleidingen" (detours) which take you away from where you want to go and introduce to an entirely new journey. We had to laugh in the end as we drove in a circuitous route through countryside that was quite pretty, lined with vegetable stalls, grassy dykes, canals, farmhouses and big groups of cyclists.

At Driebergen the kids were able to test their bikes and Arkady learned to ride with Anika side-saddled on the luggage rack, just like they do over here.

Marianne and Ria put us up for the evening and we enjoyed a lovely Indonesian dinner, english and dutch conversation sharing travel stories, and a huge breakfast worthy of a 5 star bed and breakfast.

Iamsterdam

We've trained out of Amsterdam. We'll miss the tourist boats gliding by our houseboat window, Anika encouraging a friendly wave from every passenger through the large open windows. The crowded tram rides and squeezy "stop and go" minibuses that turn the tightest corners through a maze of lanes and backstreets. The groovy Waterloo Plein markets selling designer skirts and tacky clog combo/windmill souvenirs. The disappointing floating flower market -only 2 stalls with flowers the rest with attractive brown bulbs and more mini-souvenirs.

We loved the friendly cafes and cobbled stone laneways. It became quite noisy and even raucous on thursday night, with party boats early in the morning - singing, cheering and curious booming sounds that could have been people jumping from boat to boat. Unsubstantiated report.

Everyone has been taking pics - Arkady looking for interesting angles, Anika picking out colours and glitter, Jood looking for details and me shooting everything.

2 Days in Amsterdam

Arrived safely, settled into houseboat early in the day -9.00am, and were able to have showers before walking around the Jordaan area - a hip ex-workers area, now a sort of Glebe stylish cafe/gallery/cobblestoned neighbourhood.

We've done a canal boat tour and seen the Vinnie museum- crowded with teen school groups from around the continent. The main museum square is quite a friendly park-like area but touristed.

Our houseboat is plain on the outside but comfortable and stylish on the inside. We have become very interactive (mainly Anika), waving to the passing parade of small boats, canal tours, working barges and the odd paddle boat. Sounds busy but it's quite nice and very communal.

It's great coming back to the houseboat after a morning out in the city and relaxing with a "broodje kaas" and a "chocomel". Time to check emails, photos etc and Arkady has even sent some last minute homework to his schoolmates for a group assignment.

Time to head off for an afternoon walk, weather just went from sparkling sunny to dark grey overcast- perfect for a market followed by a cafe/bookshop period of relaxing -"gezellig".

We train out to Arnhem tomorrow and pickup our motorhome. Should be interesting.

5 days 'til take-off

I must buy some luggage. Tidying up loose ends at work and at home. Thought about practising my driving on the wrong side of the road, ready for Europe. Thought lasted about 10 seconds.

Still trying to set up all the technology- ie emails, website, ipods, cameras ready for action.

Late monday night, one week before we fly over to Europe. One more day at work. Still plenty to do before we go. I have to finish my spending spree of travel and techno gadgets. I might need to buy some luggage as well. Our friends and family are all excited for us. At least one of the family is ready and packed.