Americans in Holland

My friends Shiela and Steph flew back to Atlanta today leaving at 6 a.m. to catch the 6:15 to Schiphol airport. They arrived last Friday morning and got in a solid 5 days of Dutch sights and tastes plus visiting with me and mine, of course.

They certainly weren't the only visitors that I've had from the States since I've been in Holland but, at this time in my life, having these soul sistas around has given me a real boost. Nico has even said a few times what a nice visit it was. And I think they were glad to have made the trip.

Below is a day by day recounting of our mini-adventure. I've omitted some details to keep it as short as possible. Shiela has loads more photos on her facebook page, if you'd care to take a gander. Of course, I've included also how things are going with my therapy at Bb and beyond just to get you up to date.

Day 1: Airports and castles and kaas, oh my
Nico and I got up early to meet the gals at the airport. We gave them each a little welcome bouquet of tulips which they loved. I've been wanting to do that for some time. Finally I got the perfect opportunity.

We took them on back roads towards home which also brought us into the afternoon. We were able to find a few historical treasures along the way and a nice little cafe where we had (surprise) sandwiches for lunch then hurried back so Nico could drop us off and pick up my scootmobile.











He also adjusted the seats of a couple bikes for Shiela and Stephanie to use. We immediately took off on said bikes and mobile just to have a go. That was fun, they said. Sadly, we never got a chance to use the bikes again.

Finally, we settled in for an evening of fried food. There's no better supper to begin with than friets, fricandel and mini loempias. We also introduced them to joppie sauce and Shiela took a liking to it. Great first day with friends and fries.

Day 2: Off to Den Bosch
It was a rainy morning and therefore difficult to decide what to do that would keep us mostly dry yet entertained. In the end, I chose Den Bosch over Eindhoven because we could more easily carry umbrellas while walking than biking. (Unbeknownst to me, the early morning rain ended there. It was clear the rest of the day).

We kicked off Den Bosch at the famous pastisserie, Jan de Groot, so Steph and Shiela could split a bosschebollen. Then we headed into the center of town toward the Saturday market. It was delightful as usual. Steph fell in love with some strings of fresh water pearls and they both bravely bit off a piece of raw herring (easier to chew than swallow, for sure).











We ended the day at De Stip where I insisted the meat was the best they'd ever have. Typically, the place was packed which can be a little off-putting. But, the girls hung in there til we were seated and fed. Nico had his usual ribs and the girls enjoyed two sauced-up steaks.

Day 3: Home and away
After all the walking we did the day before, we just took Sunday on the easy side by sleeping in and hanging out at the apartment until the girls took off to begin their self guided tour of Amsterdam.

I couldn't let the opportunity pass to introduce one of my best Dutch girlfriends to two of my best American pals. So, at around 2:30, my old pal, Kristal, came by. Tea with spekulas was served as well as the now familiar Old Amsterdam cheese with knackebrod. Kristal brought me a bright blue candle arrangement. Pretty candles... oooo.

S&S left for Amdam early evening. It was hard for them to leave me behind and for me to see them go without me but I knew there was no way I could keep up with them and I wanted them to see all they could see.

Day 4: Birthday at Blixembosch
First of all, thank you to all who sent cards, emails, sms, facebook post its, phone calls, chats, lovely drawings and packages for my birthday. I've never had so much love sent to me in so many different ways. As birthdays go, the day was not particularly special but your messages of love made me feel special inside.

I had fitness, ergotherapy and fall training. If you remember, I was to attempt riding the tricycle outside. And, as I'd hoped, it was a complete success. After having spent an hour in the fitness room pumping weights, I was ready for the aerobic excercise. I certainly got it - 20 minutes of biking was enough to have worn me out. Whew! All I had left to do was fall on my behind. Next: buying a tricycle!

When I got home, I opened presents from my folks and Gram. Then I had a nice chat with mom. It's the little things in life that make it worth living. Skype! Whoohoo. I have to add that Nico got me a cane that folds up but which also has a seat on top for resting after long walks. It will also be good for practicing balance.

The girls got home late and I was exhausted. So, I called it a night and we caught up the next day over therapy.

Day 5: Pancakes with everything, please
Tuesday was to be a normal therapy day - long and tiring. So, I let the girls sleep in and headed off at 8:45 towards ergotherapy and painting. Have I mentioned lately that I'm still working on the Christmas painting I started in December? Yikes! The girls seemed to like it so I guess it's worth the time.

Nico brought Steph and Skiela by Bb around 1p.m., in time for archery and loopgroep. I had been feeling pretty pooped all day but by the time the taxi came at 4, I was ready for an evening out eating pancakes. Of course, before we left, they shook a few hands and saw the bright spots of Bb. They seemed thoroughly impressed.

But before we hit the road for chow, I got a wonderful surprise: an RFD quilt. Believe it or not, my friends make quilts as a group (i.e. bee) for babies born and lovers married. After my stroke, this tradition was extended to me as a symbol of love for a friend who was also facing a life-changing moment. And it is perfect. Of course, I am touched that so many hands - even my mom and grandma - had been at work during my recovery. I know what goes into such a venture and I will forever appreciate every stitch and carefully considered pattern and color. Thank you!

Have you ever seen or heard about Dutch pancakes? Well, their not your grandma's pancakes (unless your Dutch, that is). We took them to a pancake house that had pancakes with more than 500 combinations of toppings or ingredients like apples, bacon, cherries, egg nog and ginger. Crazy, right? Don't knock it til you try it, right Shiela?

Finally, we dropped by to meet Nicos folks on the way home. A nice way to end the visit.

In closing
That takes me to this morning. I'm sure I missed a lot of little details. And of course there was a lot of catching up (like, hello, Steph got engaged. Whoa), loving on dogs and dogs loving on people, snacking on old cheese, and the amazing Nico as host. Thanks to his parents for loaning their car on a couple of occasions. On Delta.com, it looks like the girl's plane has landed. So, cheerio and thanks for everything.

And thanks for keeping in touch.