The last long drive of our (continental) Europe trip took us 738km from Billund, Denmark through Germany (where we stopped in a city called Hamburg so of course we had to have a hamburger! Ha!), and into The Netherlands to a place 40 mins north of Amsterdam. We stayed in a cabin which they had described as located in a recreation park. I wouldn’t call it that. I was amused to see a flock of sheep out my bedroom window.

After a big supermarket shop, the first two days were rest, I wasn’t feeling well as I had picked up some bug somewhere. A highlight for the kids was watching BK start up the charcoal BBQ and giving them sticks with marshmallows on the end to roast, YUM!

On Tuesday we got up early and went to the biggest flower market in the world, Flora Holland, Allasmere. They auction flowers off between 7am and 9am. It’s hard to explain but the whole process of the flower market really tickled the logistical lover in me. The flowers came into the market on big trucks then through the auction room, then onto little scooters which towed mini trailers (where all the flowers sat), to be put in to buyer sets ready to be sent out to the buyer/customers. I could have stood and watched them for hours. I took a video on my phone which I’ll post it on Facebook, it’s total organised chaos!

We then went to IKEA for brunch (cheap food in their restaurant!) and to buy BK a thermos as the one he bought in Italy had fallen off a bench and smashed. Once we were tanked up again we went to a place called Zaanse Schans, it’s old time Holland in action. There were lots of clogs and lots of proper working windmills. We also saw a timber mill in action, which was so fascinating.

This was followed by another 2 days of rest and not feeling well, then it was off for a day in Amsterdam. BK did some research and found it would be a whole lot cheaper if we arrived after 10am, so we visited Edam first, and yep we ate Edam cheese in Edam. Then we went into Amsterdam, their Park and Ride system worked well. We arrived just in time for our canal cruise around the city sights. Boats seem to be a recent theme for our sightseeing adventures. The audio guide for this boat was much better than the Berlin one, and they also had a pirate channel for the kids to listen to. After that it was a bite of lunch that we’d brought with us. Once we had people watched for a while we rented bikes, BK and R went on a tandem one made especially for 1 child and 1 adult, C and I had our own bikes. We cycled around the big park in town called Vondel. There were lots of groups of people just hanging out with their bikes around them. With cannabis tolerated for personal use in this country there was a distinct smell wafting around! Then it was back to Rouge and back to our cottage and into bed for me.

So a relaxed week for everyone thanks to me not feeling well. I didn’t manage to pass on whatever I had which was a good thing.

Till next time,

Claire

 

Budget update

The Netherlands : $392 under