One of the joys of my 2014 year was the trip Huz and I took to The Netherlands. Without a doubt, the best part of the trip was seeing my dear friend ReRe, (see blog entry 9/10/14; Double Dutch) and being able to spend time with Huz' extended family. We saw Tante Agaath and Oom Hans, who hosted us at their lovely apartment in Oegstgeest. Tante Agaath made the most delicious fish stew! Maybe I should experiment and see if I can make something as delicious. They are a pleasure to be with, interesting and fun, with wonderful humor.
Tante Jeanne is Opa's youngest sister, and she was wonderful help to us in organizing and enjoying our visit to Holland. Jeanne set us up with mass transit cards so we could hop right onto the amazing train system in the country. When we arrived in Leiden, she met us at the station and walked us to the B&B run by her friends, where we had a lovely place to stay. Het Vogelhuis (The Bird House) on Blauwe Vogelweg (Blue Bird Way) was homebase for a few days. Tante Jeanne is a treasure trove of information and energy. She is speedy! A great tour guide. She and Oom Klass also live in Oegstgeest, near Leiden. And we were able to spend some time with them both.
We also briefly (too brief!) got a visit in with Huz's cousin, Jacobien, who is a PR specialist for the Rijksmuseum. She met us for coffee at the museum, hosting us with tickets, and aiming us in the best direction to see the incredible treasures there.
Family, dear friends, new friends (shout out to Christine! )....
We were so very fortunate in our Dutch trip. I will probably keep popping up with blogs about it, as I think of it often. Since coming home, I have had little moments of memory and pleasure with repeating a favorite treat I happened upon on our first day in Utrecht. Mint tea. Okay, doesn't' sound revolutionary, but it is just fresh mint sprigs piled in a glass and steeped in hot water. It's fantastic. And in front of me now. Until the weather got cold I used the mint down by our creek, but now it is from the produce section of the grocery, a bunch of mint in a glass of water in my fridge, that becomes heaven in hot water.
I may not be able to bring home ReRe and the Tantes, Ooms, and nieuwe vrienden, but I have mint tea.
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