Day 312: How to Enjoy Being a Taxi Service

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One of the things the kids were begging for after our whirlwind travels was just to be home so they could hang out with their friends and just chill at home. This weekend was their weekend, but Jeff and I found some ways to make being a taxi service fun. We enjoyed seeing them happy, having friends over and going to their friends’ homes and birthday parties.

Today Juliana and Charlie had parties and of course they had different start and end times between 11 and 5 pm. Since Jeff and I wanted to hang out together, we both played taxi driver, exploring the little cities along the way. After dropping Juliana off, we went to explore the beach at Blijburg and to enjoy the sunshine, even though it was cold. We ran into rockstar Morene Dekker, taking her son out for a paddle. She graciously invited me to join her, but we had to get back to pick up Charlie to drop him off at his party. We still enjoyed the views and this quirky little beach…take a peek:

Another few things we saw and that I love about Holland are the open fields, farm animals, blue skies and cloud puffs. I love seeing people bike everywhere and seeing waterways across the land. We drove by Vinkeveen lake and I thought of Barbara and how much fun we had SUPing together one gorgeous day in spring.

We took Juliana to a place called Polder Sports, an outdoor team building place, in Uithorn area. It looked like so much fun, but she fell in the water head first on one obstacle and was freezing the rest of the party. I think she still had fun with her friends, despite the wet shoes and hair.

We took Juliana home for a quick shower, and then the three of us were in the taxi again and went shopping at Makro to pick up some food for the grill tonight before picking up Charlie. Shopping with one kid is so much easier than with three.

When we stopped again to pick up Charlie from the bowling alley at Borchland, he was happy outside playing on a swing waiting for us. He had such a great time with his friends.

Thank you to all our friends who shared a part of their weekend with our family. We are so blessed, and the taxi service wasn’t so bad today, with my best friend, taking in the sites with me. I highly recommend making pick up and drop off as fun as you can… Next time we’ll stop for an ice cream too!

Namaste

2Jun2013

Day 311: Goodbye Party

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It’s official… we are moving and tonight it felt real. Patty and Bob planned a goodbye party for us and several of our friends were there. We went on a canal boat cruise through Amsterdam and then to a restaurant for tapas and drinks and dancing. I had so much fun celebrating with everyone and was thankful that everyone came out and enjoyed being together. The hardest part of moving is having to say goodbye to our friends, the best part of Holland. I love you all and am so thankful you are part of my life, forever.

“(We) are now part of an international community of soul mates, who share the common, universal experiences of surviving – and thriving – in an overseas home.” – Robin Pascoe

I will miss you all so much and hope you all come to California to see me again. You’ll always have a place to stay. And I hope to see you again wherever you may go. Thank you for sharing this magical journey with me.
You are loved.

Namaste.

30May2013

Day 309: Italian Cooking Class

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What I love the most about Holland are my friends!! Today Jane scheduled a cooking class for a group of us. We met at another mom’s house from our children’s school who offers an all day cooking class with wine and dessert included. We had so much fun chatting and watching and working and learning and eating and drinking! The host did all the shopping and pre- prep work, and even did all the dishes! We got to enjoy her Italian accent and learn by watching her work and prepare each part of the several dishes we shared.

She had a recipe booklet printed and a work area set up for each of us. We loved all being together and learning something new. It made me think of my Italian grandmother and how she loved to be in the kitchen and feeding all of her family. I miss her so much!

Here are the pictures from our hands on learning lessons making homemade pasta, pizza dough, canellini, and Italian meringue. We had so much fun. Thank you to Deborah for sharing your Italian cooking skills with us.

Making a well in the flower and mixing the eggs inside the well and cutting in the flour to make the pasta dough. You have to work really hard to get the right consistency. We used the dough to make the canelloni.

We also made the ragout and spinach and bechamel sauce, as well as pizza dough and meringues! Boy were we lucky!

Waiting for the dough to rise.

Assembling the pizza

Key ingredients

Working the pasta machine, which is so much easier than rolling by hand!

Making homemade pasta on this cool contraption!

Love it!

Making the meringue.

Manga!! Salud!!

29May2013

Day 308: Wanderlust Wednesday – Free Concert and Negen Straatjes and Rain

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Can I just tell you that it’s raining buckets full of rain today? Thank God we got out and celebrated the sun yesterday because today is the polar opposite. Flooding and thunderstorms and rain galore!

On Wednesdays in Amsterdam, they offer a free lunch time concert at Het Concert Gebouw, the musical hall right across the way from the Rijksmuseum. You have to line up an hour or so before the show to get a seat, but it is well worth it. I love the feel of being in a theater. It feels so elegant and grown-up! Today, two brothers performed three pieces on the piano together. It was so amazing to watch their passion and talent and joy, not to mention their hands, and to hear the beautiful music they created together. I loved it!

Waiting in line for the concert doors to open.

Inside the intimate mini-hall. No photos were allowed during the performance.

Beautiful chandeliers and architectural details.

After the concert, Jeff and I had a quiet lunch at the theater restaurant. The atmosphere there was really nice with the large windows looking towards the street and high vaulted ceilings. Lunch was very good too… Toasted sandwiches with cheese and chicken and chutney, and one with goat cheese and aubergines, with side salads. I tried a vanilla chai latte for the first time…very tasty!

I stil had some time left before I had to pick up the kids from school. I took the tram up to the Dam square and wandered over to explore the Negen Straatjes, also known as the nine little streets. The stores and restaurants in this neighborhood are very quaint, kind of Anthropologie like. Here is what I saw while I was wandering:

Cool lighting store.

I left my favorite polka dotted umbrella behind somewhere today! I thought it was in my bag but I mistakenly was squeezing my water bottle and not my umbrella. I hope it finds a good home, although I got soaked walking home from the tram. It’s been pouring ever since! I’m done with this crazy weather and think I’m heading back to California as soon as possible!

Real rain filter.

Before I go for the day, I want to wish a Happy Birthday, to my sweet friend Michele today! I miss our hikes and chats and can’t wait to celebrate with you soon!

And happy birthday to my cousin Laurie! You always make me laugh and are such a fun person to be around. I love and miss you!

Life is good…live it up while you can! xo

27May2013

Day 306: Sunny Day

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It was sunny today, finally, all day. Do you know that in California it is sunny 300 days out of the year on average? And now I take the time to comment and write about the weather more than I wish I did. It makes me feel like I’m getting old, talking about the weather, aches and pains, and talking over my husband and finishing each other’s stories. Do you do that too?

The sunshine and light make me incredibly happy and I was torn going into the Rijksmuseum with Julie when it was so gorgeous out. It felt like a shame to be indoors when we should be outside. But we enjoyed the moment, nevertheless, with the crowds! My favorite discovery today was the library in the museum. I always wanted to be a librarian and could spend hours in a library or bookstore. I loved the spiral staircases, walls of books, the old smells of paper and leather, and two patrons or workers with their laptops. I loved the old and the new.

Afterwards, we walked from the Rijksmuseum to Albert Cuyp market and enjoyed strolling the street in the sunshine. It finally felt good again and I got my dose of Vitamin D.

We took the 14 tram to Westermarkt
where I left Julie to visit the Anne Frank house and to finish exploring the city, while I went back home for a doctor’s appointment. Good news! I’m going to live – results were negative and I felt relief!!

Life is good.

Happy Memorial Day! We are missing being in the states and BBQing and swimming today. Hope you all raise the flag and raise a glass to this wonderful freedom we all get to enjoy.

Namaste.

26May2013

Day 305: A Friend From Home

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There is something really awesome about having a friend from home come to town for a visit. Julie arrived this morning and is spending the night. She brought treats for the kids – bubble gum, Jolly Ranchers and Goldfish crackers, that made them so happy. I was happy to hear her laugh and to listen to her stories about her kids and work and family. There is a comfort in having this reconnection again and it makes me excited to be able to play tennis again and share our stories as we enter the next chapter of high school with our kids. Julie and I have been friends since our boys were in preschool and she was one of my role models in deciding to have a third child. I’ve always admired her and am so glad she chose to come see us as part of her work trip to London.

She endured the children’s spring fair with me at their school, and meeting some of my local friends before we headed up to Amsterdam for dinner.

We dropped the kids off at home and took the tram into the city. The sun was shining later in the day, so it was actually nice to be walking around the canals together.

This last picture was taken at 9pm at the Westerkerk by the Anne Frank House. So gorgeous out tonight. We enjoyed a nice, quiet Thai dinner before heading back home on the bus.

Life is good. Happy Memorial Day, Veterans!!

2May2013

Day 281: Archeon – History Field Trip Today

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Charlie was so excited that I was chaperoning his field trip today. I’m so thankful that he still wants me to be with him and that I am able to volunteer. We took an hour long bus ride to Archeon, a hands-on history museum that let us explore prehistoric times, the Roman period and the Middle Ages.

There were movies, hands on exhibits, Roman leaders guiding us, playgrounds, villages, themed street performers, dress up, and all sorts of games to play.

We all had a fabulous time, even though the weather was still pretty chilly still in May. I was most impressed with how the Roman soldier was able to quickly teach the kids commands and was able to get their attention and have them follow his orders. I took a few discipline parenting tips home with me!

Charlie’s favorite activity was the spear throwing. I even got a chance to try it too, and quickly learned I need some practice. It looks easier than it was.

One part of the exhibit taught the kids about the Roman baths. They got to learn about how the rich Romans were the ones getting massages and all the kids took turns giving each other hand massages. Charlie wasn’t too keen on this idea and passed when it came time for his friend to return the favor. He doesn’t like to be oily, or dirty. I would have loved it.

One thing that struck me was all the safety hazards that would never be allowed in California. They had candles and fires burning unattended. The playground was one of those really big, fun, wooden structures, with speedy metal slides. All of these are slowly being removed from California parks and replaced with plastic ones, which aren’t nearly as fun or dangerous. I miss the old ones, and I love that the kids got to play without all the worries.

Another thing I got a kick out of was watching the kids play tug of war. They all seemed really into it and I just loved the good, old-fashioned, worry free, fun.

Life is good.

So long…farewell…until we meet again. Goodbye.

30Apr2013

Day 279: Queen’s Day! King’s Glory.

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I was so excited for Queen’s Day today, that I drove my family crazy trying to get us out of the house early this morning. I wanted to see as much as we could and we did! I wanted to see and feel and experience what Queen’s Day was all about. I loved the feeling of it all and am so glad we braved the crowds and rode our bikes and walked all around and then some.

We rode our bikes through Amstelveen. It was the biggest garage sale I’ve ever seen! And people were everywhere, selling their wares, performing for tips, and selling baked goods.

After we checked out Amstelveen, we rode our bikes into Amsterdam and parked them by Vondel Park. Vondel Park was dedicated to kids and they could sell and act and perform too. It’s the only day of the year that the Dutch people are allowed to publicly sell their belongings out on the street. They don’t have yard sales or garage sale like we do in the US, so today is a HUGE opportunity for them and thy use every square inch of space. The craziest thing I saw was a fish race! I think they were selling bets as to which fish would move from start to finish first! Crazy!

I know I’m sharing a ton of pictures, but there was so much to see, that we’ve never seen before and I want to pretend you were there with me! We met up with Jen and her family. I have no idea how they spotted us because it was so crowded.

For five euros you could pretend to be a hamster! This looked like so much fun, but the line was very long, so we just watched.
After seeing Vondel Park, we wanted to see what the canal streets looked like and what was happening there. OMG – the biggest party I’ve ever seen! People were dressed up and singing and dancing every where you looked. Check it out…

Jeff’s office is in the city center, so we walked over to his office to relax and sit for awhile and to enjoy the views.

From Jeff’s office, we walked over to the Herengracht to visit with Toen and Loes. Their house is at a prime viewing spot to see all the boats going by. Charlie had fun helping Loes sell things.

I could go on and on, and hope you’ve enjoyed being a part of the celebration with me!
On the way back to our bikes at Vondel park, the clean up had already become.

Riding home after a long day.

Peaceful little duck family.

Happy Queen’s Day, and long live the new king!

29Apr2013

Day 278: Almost Queens Day

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I’m excited to be living in Holland for the last Queens Day. The anticipation is exciting. The kids all wore orange to school today to celebrate. I can only imagine what it will look like tomorrow.

Tonight Jen organized a group of friends to meet up in Valeriusplein for drinks and appetizers and to let the kids run around and play outside. We all hung out until the sun went down behind the buildings and the wind picked up. The kids were so cute, climbing trees, playing soccer and football and running around together.

The parents also seemed to be having fun too, chatting and eating and making plans for tomorrow too.

As I write this, fireworks are going off in different parts of the city. People have been out all day setting up their yard sale spaces along the prime street space. They are camping out over night, setting up canopies and flags and banners, tables and chairs. I love watching and am excited to wake up early tomorrow morning to jump on my bike and go shopping at all the kids’ stalls. We are going to ride through our town and through the forest, and into Amsterdam to Vondel Park, which I hear is hosting the sales of all sales! Mama and Pops, I wish you were here to go with me! It’s gonna be a sea of orange and celebration and patriotism. I can’t wait to mingle with locals and tourists and to meet up with friends and live it up with all the Dutchies!

Tot ziens!

28Apr2013

Day 277: Hanging in the Trees

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It was such a gorgeous day in Amstelveen today. Luckily the sun was shining, even though it was still very cold and we needed three layers! We decided to go on an adventure to Fun Forest in the Amsterdamse Bos. The have ropes courses high in the trees for us to climb and explore on small wooden platforms and cables and clips. I have always wanted to do a ropes course and never have. We were out hanging around and climbing for 4 hours and had the best day! We are all exhausted, so I’d say it was good!