Into The Netherlands

We pedaled across the border and immediately noticed differences. Language for one. I was a bit at home in Germany but have no grasp of Dutch whatsoever. It seems that most Dutch people though have a fine grasp of English so it is proving to be very simple to obtain food and drink and most anything else, but of course, the latter two items are our main preoccupation.

Dutch farms are both similar to and yet very different in style from the German model. Bricks and mortar with tiled or thatched roofs, an expansive barn or two part of the arrangement. Flowers in abundance out the front and veggie plots boasting onions, cabbages, beans and the odd tomato plant encased in its own small plastic greenhouse. I have enjoyed peering into the picture windows of the Dutch farmhouses onto country kitchens, comfortable sitting rooms with an abundance of cushions and books in shelves. It seems this may be a country of readers judging by a couple of comments and the plethora of bookshops I have noticed so far.

The plots of land boast a conglomeration of animals all housed together; some sheep, a cow or two, goats, chooks, deer, ducks, donkeys, geese, short-legged pigs and horses. There are also a breed of cattle I have not seen before. They have rounded rumps, stocky short bodies and rather solid heads. They are a little like the Limousin, muscled and strong in appearance.

We enjoyed a several hour wander round Zutphen, an old and important town dating back 1000+ years. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zutphen for more information.

Riding along the canals has been fun. Speed is possible, especially with a tail-wind. I found myself channeling Michael and Brian as I sped along into Amsterdam. There are so many bikes in this city. Another huge bike park close by to the central railway station.

We strolled through both the green and red light districts. Ruby was amused to say the least by the ladies in the windows. She thought I had made this story up. I am pleased to see they are now wearing tops and bottoms, maybe skimpy, but they cover all the bits people pay to see, different to when I was here 20 years ago with her mother who found it too much to bear. Funny idea isn't it, to put women in shop windows. They also have mobile phones to keep them occupied now, rather than as they used to, make eyes at the passing parade.

An extravagant dinner was enjoyed courtesy of Tinda, a local woman who hosted us in her apartment and put on a fulsome spread as part of Dining with the Dutch. Twelve participated and twelve came away stuffed like Christmas stockings. The food was delicious and the ambience perfect. We were pleased that yet another fearsome rainstorm occurred while we were under cover.

Liz is recovering and John is due to rejoin us in Bruge. Good news. Karen has left for home in Halifax and Linda has joined us from North Carolina. We are halfway through Coberamba.

Karen in flight

 

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