Holland

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January 15th 2008

Published: January 15th 2008

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ollie and non

Holland

Look a windmill at Aunty Rieky's place

9-13/01/2008
We made it to Amsterdam in one peace. It took a little while for us to find Rieky as she sent Gerrit in who we had never seen before, but after a couple of phone calls we manage to find each other and make our way to Rieky’s home. While we were at Rieky’s place all we seemed to do was eat. It’s all very good but we have put on some weight. The next day we ventured out to the markets. Rhiannon was impressed with the cheese stores and the amount of people who ride bikes. We then continued onto zutphen were Opa grew up. We managed to get some photos of the house. We also saw an old farmer who lived in the house next door. Rhiannon was really excited as he was wearing real clogs. When we finally got home we had some coffee and some traditional Dutch food for New Year’s Day, Oliebollen (which is said like ollyballs). The next day we ventured out for a walk in the woods. The weather was cold and wet but the walk was worth it. That afternoon we went to a farm and saw some dairy cows. There were

Holland

The old house at zutphen. Look close and see the real clogs

50 cows in a small stable and the owner of the farm said that they were in the stable all year round and don’t go outside. Rhiannon couldn’t believe the size of the cows and their heads. That night (11/01/08) we were picked up by Hans and went to his place in Doetinchem for the next 3 nights. We met Angelica, Jill and Nick. On the 12th we traveled into Amsterdam which was an eye opener. We took a boat ride along the canals looking at the leaning buildings of Amsterdam and learnt a little of the Dutch history. After the boat ride we took a stroll along the red light district and did a little window shopping. All sorts of different shapes and sizes were up for sale or should I say rent. That was the eye opener. We then saw a shop full of marijuana (cannabis) items. Cannabis lollipops, cannabis cakes, cannabis drinks, cannabis cookies and anything else they could think of to make with marijuana. There were also countless amounts of sex shops and live sex shows you could see. After a little culture shock we headed home to get ready for a night out with the

Holland

Action man ready to go to work on the farm

rest of the Dutch family, some of whom I had not met. We went to a pub / restaurant, where the menu was totally in Dutch. With a little help (maybe a lot of help) we managed to enjoy a great meal and have a good time. After a late night we were able to sleep in a little before heading of to the open air museum where we learnt about the history of Holland. I think the highlight of the day was TRYING to ice skate. We also saw a diorama presentation which was really good. After a big day with only a couple of bruises from ice skating we headed back home where we both were a little sad about leaving Holland as we both have had a really good time and the hospitality and friendship from everyone was outstanding. Off to Scotland tomorrow morning, hopefully see the Loch Ness monster and get lots of money.

Doeiiiii Ajuu (bye)

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