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Other entries in Netherlands

Back to My Roots

Velp, The Netherlands. Wednesday to Saturday, July 7th to 11th.

Everything worked perfectly, which means I got to the airport by 9 a.m for a 12:15 departure.  Was checked in and thru security by 10:15.  My check-in bag weighed 14.7K (max 15 K, if more 15 euros per kilo charge), and my carry on was not officially weighed, but weighed  around 8 K.  It was nice to know that I had incurred no extra baggage charge.  As I had a Q priority, I was able to board the plane first.  Was the third person on board, got the window seat on the first row, so had plenty of leg room.  The ticket itself was only 3 Euros, priority pass 5 Euros, one bag cost 10 Euros and overall the flight was 31 Euros.  What a deal. Cost almost as much to get to the airport and from the airport to my aunt's place, where I will stay for three days.  Such beautiful views of the Alps as I flew toward Holland.  Bit of confusion in Velp as to where to go to hook up with my aunt, so I eventually just walked to her place, as I knew where it was.

My aunt is so much like what I imagine my mother would be like.  She is 80, and my mother would be 81 were she still with us (rather than passing away at 55).  Just to be with my aunt and  hear her talk is magical. The sound of her voice is just like my mother's and they look so similar.  What a treat and grounding to be here.  It is special to get this connected before I get married, it is like getting my parents' permission and blessing before we marry.  Went for walks, and talked.  My aunt went from Dutch to English to Dutch, and I understood the Dutch reasonably well (but did not speak it).

Unfortunately, the weather has been less than agreeable, and it rained off and on Thursday and Friday.  Went to a ceramic tile museum on Thursday as it was inside: my aunt and I were planning a walk in the forest, but it was too wet.  Went to Rotterdam on my own on Friday.  It was a good idea to explore the new areas of Holland, as I have been at least four times in the past five years, BUT it was pouring when I arrived, so I thought it best to do inside or covered things.  Did a 2 ½ hour tour of the Rotterdam harbour: did you know (or care)  that most of the goods transferred through the port are liquids, which are refined into finished form? (vegetable oils, juice concentrates but not petrol). Or that 7,000,000 twenty foot equivalent containers are handled there every year? Next was an art museum (something I generally avoid): I saw some famous Impressionist artists's works, a few Dali and rooms full of those dark portraits done by Rembrandt and Van Dyck (which I personally would give away before putting them on my wall, as all the folks are overweight and have pimples).  Eventually stopped raining and wandered around Rotterdam.  Rebuilt city as it was seriously bombed at the start of WWII.  Many modern architecturally unique buildings, but also a big city, which is never my favourite.

Photos / videos of "Back to My Roots":