Dieren (the relatives)

We just spent three great days with family in the small town of Dieren about an hour east of Amsterdam.  And picking us up at the train station was Sam, as he had flown into Holland that morning with mother.  So it was a great time to catch up with them as well as reconnecting with tantes, ooms and cousins from the land of the wooden shoe.  It was a packed full three days of meeting the cousins again and Laurence was thrown into the family at its best and he took it all in stride, even when he could not understand most things.  He can now match faces to all of mom's stories.

Hendrika's Childhood Home

Connie, Leo and Lex were the perfect hosts, not only giving us a great place to crash, but also playing tour guide and feeding us everything in their house.  I believe I have gained three kilos just because of these relatives feeding us ever dutch treat, and now Laurence and I are hooked on fla.  The food just kept coming but it was all wonderful and reminds me so much of mom's cooking.

A Three Windmill Moment

And it was so much fun reliving old family stories as well as making our own memories.  Carrots will never be the same nor old men in parking lots waving goodbye.  We had so many wonderful moments of laughing and enjoying the country side as well as the beautiful Openlucht Museum (their version of Heritage Park).  And Laurence even got to play a pipe organ all he needs now is a monkey and a cup and he could have a new career.

Sam and I In Front of Our Father's Childhood Home

Mom was in her glory not only were her three boys with her, but she got to relive old memories as well as connect with her brother and sisters.  She did the flight over very well and was full of energy during the day but did peak early and needed her rest.

It was a wonderful visit and I was reminded again how important family really is, and that even though we are worlds apart we are drawn together by a common thread that makes it all so wonderful.  Holland really is an amazing place but family are where the heart is.

After saying goodbye at the train station (and again to Sam and Mom) we were off to Amsterdam for the night and have now just arrived in Paris.  Found the apartment very easily however we now have to stay a few days longer here as the trains out of Paris were all booked for the days I wanted, oh well it will all work out.  An extra day in Paris is no hardship for sure.