Letters from G and L... part 7.

The Netherlands

We arrived in my country of birth last Monday the 14th April quite unexpectantly. We have discovered that the best laid plans often fail and this is what happened in Germany. We only stayed there for 4 days and I got really quite bored with doing nothing much. It is difficult to adjust to an quieter life after walking 34 days. I missed the Camino initially and with nothing to do in Germany but spend time with G's friend, I felt out of place. We were asked to leave as the wife of G's friend wasn't coping with 5 people in the house.

We arrived in Holland unannounced and had trouble finding accommadation. W was renovating his house and when we contacted R we could come, but C's daughter was over with her 2 children as their house was also being renovated. After arrival at their place several other options were tried but none resulted in a bed. We ended up staying for a few nights and than moved to my old neighbour's place. He is a bachellor and very easy going, he had a bed and lots of room and didn't mind at all.

We have been sightseeing around the town where I used to live. All those loved places from childhood. Some I haven't been able to find. I couldn't find the paddock where we kept our horses, or the entire walk I did with my dog. The shopping centre has been extended and is completely different. Other places are just the same, het polderbad (swimming pool) has remained much the same. I was the very first person to swim in the indoor pool as mum was working there at the time. My Uncle and Aunt's place is much the same also.

Anyway we have also spent 2 days in Rotterdam, 1 day in the city centre and 1 day visiting the Maaslandkering. That is a place where they keep the water from flooding the Netherlands as 1/2 of Holland is below sea level, and some other places where they do much the same. It was very interesting. We have also visited Scheveningen. We are getting spoiled here as we are never allowed to pay for anything no matter how hard we try.

Anyway that's it for now.
Lots of love from L and G.