August 17th we launched the experience of a lifetime. With hiker backpacks (which Annette described as feeling pregnant on your back because it's incredibly top heavy and nearly impossible to bend over without falling head over heels), a tight budget, and a dream to see the world, we left the motherland in search of adventure. The Netherlands was a visit to the past, catching up with relatives who introduced us to authentic European flavor. It was inspiring to be among people who are conscious of style, beauty, elegance, and charm. I personally felt like a shrimp next to relatives where 6" is the norm. My recent complex, however, did not hinder me from absolutely loving my time there.
Annette and I had the privilege of staying with our cousin, Geke Stulp. She was a fantastic hostess and very accomodating. While sipping hot, dutch tea we reminisced about our dreams, lives, and hopes for the future.
On August 25th we boarded the train for Hoek van Holland. It was a pleasantly smooth day of travel, minus the mix-up we had in Liverpool Street Station when Annette and I boarded the train, headed for Witham, England without Erick and Hilko. Erick thought we had boarded the wrong train and were en route to Timbuktu! ::smile:: Thankfully the crisis was not as severe as anticipated. They boarded the next train to Witham that left a mere 4 minutes later. Within an hour we were already laughing about it! We are heading into London tomorrow for some touristic sight-seeing and will make sure to visit the Buckingham palace (or was that Burmingham, Erick? hahaha) Oh, the fun time yet to come....Much love to you all!
Grace-Emma
