So, while I try to finish processing the last of my Malta pics, I have two quickie posts this week to keep myself current on Life as we know it in our neck of the woods. After all, Life does go on, doesn't it!
It so happens that we had dear visitors from England last week, stopping by on their long camper-van trip from England, by ferry across the Little Pond, and then into Germany. Lucky for us, we got to be with them Monday evening and all day Tuesday.
First, a reminder that we have several English friends due to our Shutterchance photoblog, of which I've been a member for 10 years and Astrid for 9 (that's where Astrid and I met, remember!). Over the years we have made many trips there to visit real people, making virtual reality...well, a reality.
Chad and his buddy, Chris, visited us in September of 2013, 3 years ago. But this was the first time Chad's wife Norma was here. We had spent time with them in their own cottage back in June of 2014...so this was a bit of a payback.
On both Facebook and Shutterchance I posted this snapshot collage of their short visit.
But I want to put a bit more flesh on the skeleton, to do it justice!
We have a camper parking lot nearby on the Merwede river, where they docked for two nights.
Since they arrived at 6:30 p.m. in Gorinchem, we wasted no time to greet them
and spend a couple hours "partying" with them (as Norma said).
In the top-right image you can see their view back to where we live near the Big Church.
The next day was full but leisurely.
First we did our citadel walk, to get the lay of our land.
We even looked back at their camper across our outer harbor from the citadel (bottom-right).
Then we drove out into the polder to eat pannenkoeken at our favorite restaurant...
WHICH WASN'T OPEN FOR LUNCH THAT DAY!
So we punted and found one near Kinderdijk, which is where we wanted to end up that afternoon.
By now you should know this place inside and out.
We can't help it. We want to take everyone there!
Yup. Kinderdijk and her 19 windmills.
At 30 km. away, it's a no-brainer for us.
Back home, we had some munchies and more great conversation before bidding our friends adieu.
It was a short and sweet visit...but so much better than nothing.
So, this is for you, Chad and Norma.
THANK YOU for dropping by on your way to Germany!
if i visited you i would want to go there, i love windmills and also wooden shoes! perhaps i was born in the wrong place :) real nice pictures of and for your friends!
ReplyDeleteWe would DEFINITELY take you to Kinderdijk, Elaine, if ever you can visit us. No "boubt adout" it! You would even see wooden shoes there (some you can step into to have your picture taken). :) Thank you.
DeleteWell it's fun to see other visitors doing the same things we did. Except we didn't have a camper! That looks way fun, and I love the whole party set-up complete with flowers. You are the best hosts! Your friends look so nice.
ReplyDeleteI just LOVE that you now know what we're talking about, Ruth! NOW you know, because, finally, you have been here and have seen it. THANK YOU. (You would LOVE the touches of Norma everywhere...even in her camper-van!)
DeleteWe had a great time with Chad and Norma. Dear friends they became... blame it on the internet is often said between us and we have a big grin :) To be able to host friends is a total joy. The weather was very friendly and we were never out of topics to talk about too. Thank you for making this reminder of a great day and a half... :) IHVJ.
ReplyDeleteWe have so much to blame on the Internet and we love doing it! HA! Where would we be without it!!! :)
DeleteI think those are the windmills we saw when we were there. So beautiful! One of my favourite countries!
ReplyDeleteYou never forget Kinderdijk once you've been there, Marie. So glad you like this country. For me, it's HOME!
DeleteSo enjoy seeing your show your beautiful country! Like Ruth...I love the camper idea!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Robin. The camper idea would be a fun way to tour Europe, wouldn't it. Comparing nickels and dimes, I bet you'd come out way ahead?!
DeleteYou ladies are the hostest with the mostest. How fun to have friends come over and show them all the pretty places.
ReplyDeleteWell, thank you, Maria. We have some great friends who deserve it. :)
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