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Published: October 4th 2015
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Holland! We arrived yesterday after about a two hour drive North from Brussels. Ilse and AB’s place is beautiful with a view of the ocean and Pier, dunes and city. Scheveningen used to be a fishing village and it is absolutely beautiful. Jackie and I walked the pier and boardwalk (which they call the boulevard). There was restaurant after restaurant with open deck areas and tables with propane fires, couches and beds, that’s right, beds. They serve you as you relax looking at the ocean or you can go chill on the beds on the beach and get served there. I fell in love with the whole culture of this place. There was modern art along the boulevard as we walked, bicycles everywhere, ocean with an amazing beach, new and old buildings. Perfect. We stopped and had a drink and fries, with mayo of course as that is what is mostly used here instead of ketchup, as we enjoyed the ocean view from our outside couch and our own fire-pit, before we continued on our exploration. We stopped in at an old hotel that was amazing inside. Paintings on the roof, stained glass windows, marble floors, wood furniture, iron railings on
the staircases, and yet it had a slight modern flair. After a small walk about there, we strolled one of the main streets. There was so much to see. Scheveningen looked a little more like Britain, from what I remember of it, with the brick buildings and cobble streets, so of course I love it as it brought back a familiarity and fond memories. There were tram tracks throughout the streets as well. I am finding that there is a great balance here between relaxation, the arts and city living. In just a couple of blocks you can go from resting on the beach in chaise lounge style furniture, to watching Billy Elliot in the theater, to stopping in the casino and of course, specialty shops. We headed back to Ilse and Ab's for dinner out at a wonderful seafood restaurant in the harbour called De Dagvisser (the day fisher). I tried herring and eel (smoked and baked) and have to say, I would eat them both again. Didn't think I would like it, but it was pretty good. After dinner it was time to connect with more family. Debbie, Rutger, Eva and Mick (Jackie's niece, nephew in law, and
grand niece and nephew, cousins to Kiki and Karlijn). There was much conversation about who was who and a little 'van de hak op de tak' (thanks Ilse) and we finally agreed in both languages about the concept of niece, nephew, aunt, uncle and cousin. That pretty much exhausted us, so off to bed we went.
This morning as I sipped my coffee in bed, I had the pleasure of listening to the bells of the church down the street ring out over the city, as the sun tried to eat away at the lingering fog covering the ocean, dunes and houses. Being here is like a movie and I am encapsulated by this story. I can’t wait to see what is next. I am soaking in the amazingness of being here. All these different lives from all over the world, all with a story. I am so appreciating hearing stories of Jackie's family and putting things together like a puzzle, making a bigger picture. I love asking questions and getting others perspectives on life events. It never ceases to amaze me how each person offers another consideration for me to ponder. Later morning, Rudy and Guido arrived (brother
and nephew of Jackie) and we spent the day walking the Pier and boulevard, soaking up the brilliant weather, and laughing as we got to know each other and family reconnected. Once back to home base, Joyce and Tekla (another niece and sister in law) arrived and we all shared in an Indonesian supper (thank you Ilse). I could eat this every day. It has meant so much to me to have family come from varies parts of Holland to see Jackie and meet me. The whole family from Paris, Brussels and Holland, have added a richness to this trip that cannot be explained. It makes this experience so much more; it adds depth and memories I will treasure always. We get to see how they live and what they like about their part of the world, and it has been wonderful to not be caught in the touristy parts, mostly lol. The next couple of days we will be focussing on relaxation, walking in the village, hanging about the Boulevard and then, Tuesday is SPA day !!!!
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Annie
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appreciation
yes appreciation..it surfaces like no other emotion when we experience other cultures and countries..and lets us feel vibrations like we never have,,and you have the gift of telling the story so well,,thank you for taking the time to let us walk through it with you,,that is MY appreciation..gentle(hugs)