It seems like a lifetime ago, but now that school has started again I have a little time to share some tales from the Netherlands, where we spent a chunk of our summer. We spent two weeks in this lovely place, from Brabant, to the island of Texel, to a campsite just a few minutes from Delft, yet surrounded by beautiful fields. The Netherlands, of course, are far more than the stereotypical windmills, Amsterdam houses and clogs that are immediately conjured up in the mind when you mention Holland.
Of course we didn’t scratch the surface of what you could explore, but we got a taste of different areas we stayed in. From hot hot days taking boat rides along the hidden rivers beneath the city of s’Hertogenbosch, swimming in outdoor pools, bike rides followed by torrential rain storms, days at safari parks and wandering the fairytale forest in magical Efteling, we all enjoyed some uninterrupted family time.
New bunk beds were delighted in and sleeping bags curled up in, bbqs lit and bikes ridden around the fields. After our ferry trip to Texel and climbing the lighthouse, our children chose the windiest possible day to enjoy the beach and sand, we rode the island on these hired adult-child tandems through pine scented woodlands, picnicked on and saw porpoises and seals at the rescue centre.
So much remains treasure troved in our memories- cycling through Delft to get the train to the Hague, wandering around the delights of the model attraction Madurodam and the fresh bread and cheese collected from the market. The little ones fed the sheep and chickens at our first, farm campsite, delighted in the open spaces and mis matched collection of bikes and wheeled vehicles to borrow and play with. We climbed to the top of the lighthouse and cycled all up and down the island of Texel in the winds.
The uninterrupted family time was such a treat and it has given us so many shared experiences and memories. I love adventuring with these people.
Cherry turner says
Hi Zoe, your Mum has just left. She brought us some shrubs which will look good at the bottom of the garden. So pleased you enjoyed your hols. The picture of the children reminded me of our beloved Terchelling which is the next island to Texel. We have enjoyed wonderful holidays there and many holidays on the mainland and have forgotten just how many times we have stayed all over that friendly country which is dear to the heart of all of our family. Jonathan studied at Ijmiden when he was doing a research masters and we have stayed in Dutch houses and camped in many different towns. Texel is probably like Terchelling with wonderful places to cycle and walk. On the island we have eaten many cranberry teas and gateau as the fruits grow in the bogs. IT IS SO GOOD SEEING PICTURES OF THE CHILDREN ENJOYING THEIR SELVES AND LOOKING AT YOUR SHOP. HOW QUICKLY THEY ARE GROWING – I CAN’T BELIEVE simeon is now at school. Well I must get back to dusting such an exciting life. Much love to you all and the children and thank you for rekindling our memories of many happy Island holidays. Cherryxxxx
Zoe Rose says
Lovely to hear of all your memories in Holland, a lovely place and I feel like we could explore much more! Zoe xx