I have not posted in a while because we have been hosting lovely Americans!
The spring in the Netherlands is so beautiful, and I have been soaking in the scenery every day. From buds on the trees to planting flowers in my pots, the enjoyment seems never ending. We had a good three weeks of sun and very little rain. This is unusual for this time of year but also helps the mood of the general population. For three weeks the bike paths, walking paths and city Center were a buzz with happy citizens. It has been fun.
And our guests got to enjoy the fabulous weather too. I wished I was able to tell them it is always sunny and beautiful in the Netherlands, but that is not the case. 🙂 But I was thankful that they could enjoy the beauty while they were here.
First Honorees To Arrive
In early April, Jeremy’s mom, Aunt Jann and Uncle Mike came for a week. We showed them what we could in a week, and then some. I think they went home good and tired. 🙂 Here are some of the highlights.
They made it to the Mother Land!
Mike loves oysters! We took him to the shore of the North Sea where he found some fresh ones. He got to eat them right out of the shell.
Myself, Miffy/Nijntje and Ruth at Keukenhof Gardens.
Can’t visit the Netherlands without wandering around an outdoor market. Here we found some fruits and veggies for supper.
De Stadshaven, Goes. One of my favorite spots. Love showing visitors the cute little port in Goes.
My posse at Keukenhof Gardens. It was a perfect day with gorgeous flowers.
They got to tour the Goes Windmolen.
Mike enjoys talking to the locals. Here he is meeting one of the workers in the Goes Windmolen.
Grandma enjoys her coffee! Here in Bruge she found a fancy one.
Mike and Jann really like European chocolate. They tried some in both Netherlands and Belgium.
Canal boat tour in Bruge.
Jeremy and I in Gent, Belgium.
Second Happy Visit
My brother often has business in Europe. He tries to stop and see us when he can, usually only for a day or so. Therefore the visits are packed with quality time. We love catching up with him and taking him to our favorite restaurant. This picture is admittedly from when he visited last fall. I forgot to get a picture from his visit this April.
Third Special Visit
My cousin and her husband from Michigan have been wanting to see Amsterdam. They stayed there for a few days and then traveled south to our house for a bit! It was delightful! Together we found a few spots where our ancestors lived in the 1800s. So fun yet so strange to think our family lineage started just a few miles from where Jeremy and I live now.
The four of us shared dinner at our favorite restaurant. Such a beautiful evening.
This is where our great, great, great grandparents lived around 1830. It is on my paternal grandmother’s side.
And that is all for our spring guests! In between the visits, Jeremy has done a little traveling for work. One of his trips was to Paris, and I was able to ride along for that one. I painted the town on my own. 🙂 I have been continuing to study the Dutch language and sprucing up the back yard for summer. I get together with friends often for coffee or lunch. Jeremy and I talk with our kids about once a week and look forward to our daughter’s wedding this summer.
Once again, thanks for joining me on this adventure. Spring is a busy season so I appreciate you taking time out to read about life in the Netherlands. Until next time.
