Spring is here

 

 

The Windmill in Gorinchem

Spring smells wonderful in Holland. There are wild flowers growing in every available space and the green that brilliant type that only comes in spring. The bird life is remarkable too. I don't think I've ever seen so many goslings and ducklings in my life! Yesterday on the way to our camping spot I spotted at least 20 in one small pond!

I was secretly wondering whether I would feel that special type of energy one gets from the earth when spring arrives after a dreary winter and seeing as I haven't had to go through the winter here would I feel it anyway? But I'm pleased to report that yes, I have greatfully received that lovely energetic boost.

We have spent the few days exploring a sweet wee village called Goringchem (pronounced Hor-a-kim with a roll on the r) where Josh's Grandparents lived since they immigrated to the Netherlands from Indonesia. Debbie (Josh's mum) and her siblings all grew up here in a beautiful little free-standing house right next to the city wall. Oma Nancy now happily lives only a ten minute walk from there in an apartment for the elderly.

We parked our camper on the quiet road outside and made our way up to visit Nancy.

Her apartment is spacious with a great view of yet another wetland and grassy mini park. (There is something like that at almost every housing complex!)

It was lovely to see her again and for Josh and Nancy to spend some time togther. She is 89 but doesn't look a day older that 70. She is so tiny! Standing only a head taller than Noa!

Oma Nancy

After having a cup of tea togther, Nancy took us for a walk to where her old house was. It has now been made into an office but still looks very similar to how it was when the Swart family lived there. Though of course it's a bit more built up now with new apartments where there used to be meadows.

                     

                          

We walked around the city wall to to big river which transports big barges and cruise barges coming all the way from Switzerland. We saw a massive tourist ship docking where we sat down in the shade to sample some hot chips which come in a cone and have many different condiments you can choose from such as peanutbutter sauce, mayonaise, curry sauce and ketchup.

Noa and Fern with their chips in a cone - dutch style

Oma walked home then with the aid of her little Zimmer frame and we continued on along the wall to the windmill you can see in the picture at the top of the page.

We were lucky to get a tour of the windmill- hearing about it's uses and history by an old man who has been volunteering there for 20 years. It was very interesting - though poor Josh had a hard time keeping up with the translations for us.

House boats along the river of Goringchem. They looked rather luxurious!

Esmae

We all spent our first night togther in the camper that night and it went fairly well considering! There was a bit of - ''She's in my space!'' and ''Please can you move!'' and tossing and turning - and yes, a bit of grumbling. Not everything was working yet - like the fridge, the water and the toilet! There was a terrible smell coming from the loo too, but Josh- being a good handyman was able to sort that out thank goodness! It's such a small space for all of us - with clothes tumbling out of the cupboards and no place to keep things like rope, pegs, and the bicycle pump! But we'll hopefully adjust as we get on! We're bound to get used to it right?