Back to the Motherland

Trip Start Dec 06, 2008
1
14
16
Trip End Jan 15, 2009


Loading Map
Map your own trip!
Map Options
Show trip route
Hide lines
shadow
Where I stayed
Van der Valk Den Haag - Nootdorp
(Nootdorp hotels)

Flag of Netherlands  , Zuid-Holland,
Sunday, December 28, 2008

So here we are. Back in the Motherland. We had a family get together at 12 noon at Coen's brothers place in Delft. There I met my sister in law for the first time and we all got to meet our new little niece/cousin Melissa. We had an absolute blast with everybody there. We stayed till midnight!Coen's parents booked us into a local hotel, which turned out to be a 4 star hotel, divine. Double bubble bath and a room so large you can play hind and go seek in it.We stayed in this hotel for 4 nights.
In Holland our program was mad. The family meeting, looking up some of my family, seeing many friends etc etc.
We did New Years Eve at the former neighbours new house. It was a real party. All the kids from "way back then' came and they played board and card games. During the night Sam and Olivier were already lighting up the place with fireworks,but OMG at midnight all hell broke loose. It's impossible to describe what happens in that country at 12 midnight. The noise kills our hearing ability and the fire works are amazing. 16 million people lit for 69 million euros (that just over 120 million dollars) worth of fireworks. It was spectacular. We had the best time and got home about 4 am. The kids went their own way. They both picked up where they left off with their friends. Elisah even went to Antwerp (again) with some friends. They all fitted in some ten pin bowling and went clubbing. An R18 club has no problems letting these underage girls in. Of course Lis ended on the stage dancing hahaha. They really had a original Dutch experience.
We did the New Years reception at the soccer club (with Leo and Pauline from New Plymouth). It was great to see so many friends in one go again. We drank and laughed, just like in the old days.
We moved our camp after four nights in the hotels to Ben and Jolanda's house. They were so hospital, just lovely. We had a load of fun with them and we all just got along so well.
We saw so many people in Holland and still did not have time enough to see them all, that's always a shame. I feel guilty for having to short cut our program. We allocated 2 hours for every visit, but some had to be shorter and some we just couldn't fit in. And to be honest: it's exhausting visiting non stop.
We just had the best time ever in Holland. We had a farewell dinner in a Greek restaurant followed by some drinks at Ben and Jo's house.
Holland felt good again. Love the place and the people. Lots of tears when we left again (hate that part).
Print this entry