Holland

Say cheese!



I had a wonderful time with my mum in Holland. She spoiled me by squeezing orange juice at breakfast, taking me to craft shops and just being there to enjoy some quality time together, we had some great laughs. The weather was really good and warm so we walked along the beach front and enjoyed cold drinks outdoors and watch the Dutch people walking and cycling by. And time for a lovely Dutch apple pie

Now, I know the Dutch are unique in their use of their bicycles especially the way they transport their kiddies. I saw so many different types of bikes and ways of carrying their small kids. Here are some of them:

See how this bike has two seats on the back? Amazing!

And this orange bike has a child seat on the front as well as the back. Because I had my kids here in Scotland and never experienced the cycling with my kids on my bike, this seems so scary to me. What a responsibility, cycling with your two little ones. And they don't wear helmets either, it just isn't the done thing.

Bikes, bikes everywhere, in all colours and sizes. I must admit I do miss cycling. It just isn't the same here. No cycling paths for a start, motorists here don't really know how to treat cyclists on the road.









I also had the opportunity to see my sister and her family, she had cooked the most delicious meal. It was great to see her although it was a short visit.
Ofcourse I bought far too many goodies to bring home. Liquorice, cardmaking supplies, chocolate sprinkles called hagelslag, sweets for the kids, spices for cooking and lots more.
All in all, it was a fantastic break, no worrying whether the teenagers were bored or what they wanted to do. Daily phone calls confirmed that everything was fine at the home front, although they did miss me and my cooking. Awww

Going "home"

I am going "home" to Nederland (or Holland, or the Netherlands) tomorrow. Ofcourse Scotland has been my home for the last 20 odd years and I truly deeply feel like I belong here. I am married to a lovely Scottish man and my children are Scottish and I love Scotland with all my heart and soul and I am very happy here.

But I was born and raised in another country and because my family still lives there, I still have strong feelings for my Nederland. In the early years I used to miss lots of things, the cycling, just being able to hop on your bike and go shopping or just going for a ride for pleasure. People cycle in Scotland too but not so much as part of daily life and to be honest, with all the hills and no cycle paths, I have never felt that safe just jumping on my bike. I also missed the food, markets full of fresh produce, cheese, and of course the flowers. Cut flowers are so expensive here and the bunches never look that full or lovely. But you get used to new things etc and if I want something my sister will just send me a lovely parcel full of goodies. I miss the feel of the country, so flat, no mountains, lovely and green, the architecture is so different, the people are so different. No orderly queue at the bus stop, it is everyone for themselves.

Anyway, I am going to visit my mum for a few days, Just me. Hubby and teenagers are staying at home. How can I have such mixed emotions? I am so delighted to spend a few days with my mum, just her and me, to shop, to eat, to chat, to make cards without having to entertain the teens. Just time for us. We will be visiting my sister and her family. It will be great. But the other side of my mother heart is anxious. Leaving my kids and husband behind? Will they be ok? I know hubby is capable of cooking etc but still? What if something happens to them or me? I am a worrier by nature, always have been. But I am not letting that worry spoil my time away. My mum is not getting any younger and I don't see her very often so this time together is precious.

I am going to enjoy myself and no doubt get my brain all in a mush because of the language switch.I will be back with lots of pictures