September 3, 2017

Off to Europe

Hello again! It's been quite a while since I posted about our travels, but I couldn't miss the opportunity to once again share our adventures in Europe. This time we are traveling with our friends, John and Sue, and are visiting some "new-to-us" places (since no place in Europe can be called new!) and also some sights that are familiar to us. 

We began our trip with the typical long flight, with layovers in Dallas and then again at Heathrow. While in Dallas, we were met by John and Sue's son and family for a light lunch at The Grand Hyatt, which was a welcome distraction.

On the flight over I had pleasant conversation with a gentleman in the seat next to me. Oddly I only got his last name, that of Malone, but found out all sorts of interesting things about him. We talked for at least 4 hours, maybe longer...It was such a learning experience for me and it certainly helped pass the time. Thank you, Mr. Malone, wherever your adventures are currently taking you!

Upon arrival in Paris, we immediately went to the car rental station. Of course there was quite a line, as everyone else seemed to have the same plan as us. Even though the car had been previously chosen and arranged for, John and Doug stood in line for an hour. AN HOUR! Sue and I stood nearby with two carts of luggage to guard, and waited. Always an adventure people watching in an international airport! Finally, we were set, but by then we needed some food.  Interesting how hunger and the lack of understanding between cultures can lead to some rather...odd, shall we say, food choices? John ended up with smoked salmon on a croissant (not in a good way), but  at least we were all fed. While we were eating, several French soldiers were strolling around with their AK-47's ( or whatever the French version of those are), constantly watching everyone as they passed by. Did[t dare take a picture of them, although I wanted to!

So now, lets continue on with our journey. Our car ended up being the perfect size for our luggage, and after a few times around the roundabout, we ended up on the right road heading towards Calais, and then on to Dunkirk (Dunkirque). It was overcast and a little drizzly, but so nice to be out in the fresh air.  We walked around the old city center in Dunkirque for a bit and just reveled in the beauty of this old city.

I can't seem to stop looking at lighting!

An inviting display of color!

I think one of the things I love so much about Europe is the desire to maintain their history, whether it be good or bad. I really admire that honesty. We viewed a church, riddled with bullet holes, left as a reminder of the struggle this city endured during World War II. 

This is a tribute to allied forces and resistance fighters who helped to liberate the city.

                                                 A comparison of then and now.

 Dunkirk beach on the English Channel, just 47 miles from Dover

 The film set has actually become a tourist attraction! I fit right in, don't you think? ; )

John and Sue, happy to be in France!

             A bit of art!

            ( Proper Place ).

                                                                Leaving Dunkirk.

                          Our next stop is Belgium, to the beautiful old city of Brugge!

A Word About Youth Hostels~

 "Hostel-ing" in Belgium

Staying in Youth Hostels has been a new experience for us on this tour. We've previously stayed at Gaust Haus's, hotels, primitive cabins and camped, but this time we decided to go the hostel route. Doug became a card-carrying member of Youth Hostels International, which essentially gives you 3euro off the regular price. The prices are very reasonable and usually include a breakfast. Its definitely worth it. It can be a very good experience and sometimes not so good. Luckily the Belgium hostel Doug chose was nice. So on to the guided tour!
Here you see the approach to our destination on the right. Beautiful wooded area, quiet and away from the city.

My first impression was that it looked like an old grade school in America. But it was actually built as a youth hostel. These are common all over Europe. Young people are sent here to spend a few weeks in the country where they have activities and attend lectures. This particular hostel is very near the open air museum we visited, which you will see on my next post!

One of the best things we have found as we travel around Europe is how well kept things are. Well, not everything. But we've been impressed at the pride europeans take in their homes and places of business.

Thank you, Doug, for always taking such stunning pictures of me! This is where the breakfast is served. Typical continental fair; deli meat, rolls, bread, cheese, orange juice, room temperature milk and choices of fruit spread, Nutella and butter. What no Fruit Loops?

Six bunks to a room! Luckily we came at a time when we were able to stay in a room by ourselves, so we didn't have to share the space with strangers. This particular room had a sink inside which is not typical.....

This is typical. "Good morning~nice hair!"

But at least you can dress in private. These are personal dressing rooms. Co-ed, but private. The showers and toilets are separated by Vouw und Man (women and men), thankfully!

We took a walk around the premises. I love this picture. Doug looks like his hair has grown long, but its actually a hoodie!

Such a pretty place, and a perfect morning for a walk!

The evergreens in this area were interesting. I've never seen this type before.

The kids found a stick hut that was started, but by the time we left, they had completed it including moss applications to the exterior. They had a great time doing it!

On the road again!

More Than Windmills and Tulips

 We awoke on our first full day in the Netherlands to partly cloudy skies and lots of wind. It was a bit chilly, but such an enjoyable day!



Mandy and Jared have been to The Netherlands several times so we hit a few of the highlights that they had enjoyed since we had such a short time to travel in that country. One of the places we visited was Zaanse Schans outdoor museum, a charming sample of traditional Dutch experiences in close proximity. Here we were able to see close up how a windmill works, wooden shoes being made as well as enjoying the quaint architecture of former times.
The windmill above is called De Gekroonde Poelenburg (The Crowned Poelenburg) and was used as a sawmill in its time.

Standing on the upper deck of De Zoeker (The Seeker) was a remarkable experience. We were able to experience the power of the wind as it whipped around the mill and feel the vibrations of the giant cogs as they turned inside. We actually climbed the narrow ladders inside the windmill and watched as peanuts were ground into oil. Doug took some amazing video of the workings of the mill. It was built in 1672 and is the only wind powered oil mill still in operation.

Here you see Het Jonge Schaap (The Young Sheep). This is a replica of a windmill built in 1680 that once stood on this site but was demolished in 1942. It is a wind powered working sawmill that is only opened to the public two days a month.

We spent some time in the shop that sells wooden shoes, which has a small display area dedicated to antique and unusual wooden shoes. 

These shoes would have been worn for a special occasion such as church, a holiday or wedding.

Doug liked the work boots. The shoes on the right would be worn under shoes to elevate them off the ground and out of the mud.
Each province has a different type of wooden shoe so at a festival all one would have to do is look at your shoes to discover which province you were from!

These are bridal shoes.

There is also a workshop showing how shoes were made originally and how they are made today. In former times, shoes were hand carved from chunks of wood using a large blade attached to a workbench. Now they are made by a lathe that uses a previously made shoe as a template to make a new shoe. What used to take hours to accomplish, now takes only 5 minutes.

On our last day in the Netherlands we were mostly driving, but spent a little time sightseeing along the way. These are some of the things we saw.

Serene lake in a neighborhood where we also saw...

This rather amazing house. Yes, that is a thatched roof. Thatching is truly an art which I love!

Every city we visited had canal systems which are in daily use, as you can see.

Bicycles are a means of transportation that is readily used. Also a lot more convenient we found as we tried to navigate through narrow streets with a van pulling a trailer behind.

I...don't even know what to say...

Here we are standing on the beach of the North Sea. It was so very cold! "Quick, take the picture so we can get back inside!"

When you leave your rain jacket at school, certain emergency measures need to be taken!

We made a stop in Gouda at the cheese shop.

Nathaniel was very helpful!

Doug had an interesting conversation with the owner of an antique shop that we spent some time in. He and Doug shared a common interest in WWII. He told Doug to walk with him down the block and showed him this residence with three brass blocks embedded in the sidewalk. He said you can find these all over the city of Gouda, designating that from this house, the persons named on the plaques were taken by Nazi soldiers and sent to death camps.

 

One more look at the tulips, and now on to Belgium!