Christmas in the Netherlands

This year I wanted to spend time with my family, but also with Neil. I decided to book a rather short trip to the Netherlands. An advantage of that was that I didn’t need a cat sitter. For that short time, the neighbour and Chris could do the honours. And in addition to family, I would go and see Roelof and Monique. 

Seeing Roelof didn’t work, as that would take place the first evening, and that vanished into a many hour delay with Eurostar. But I could see Monique the next day, That is always lovely! 

On Christmas Day I woke up fairly early, and felt like a run. So I did a short one. It was still dark, so I stayed in town, as that was lit. It was a gorgeous morning! Then I went to my sister’s to have a bit of time with her and her family before we would all go and see my dad. There was a lot going on among them! When it was time to go I went separately, as their car was full. 

Early morning Amersfoort 

When I approached his house I saw a figure briskly walk towards me. It looked familiar. But it surely couldn't be my dad; he hadn’t walked briskly in ages. But it was him! He had a rollator now (that seems to be an English word too, even though nobody uses it) and suddenly he was fast and stable on his feet again. Amazing! 

Soon my sister and entourage arrived too. That was us complete. My sister’s father in law was not healthy enough to join us this year. We went for a little walk, and then we had drinks and nibbles. And then Christmas dinner, made by many of us. My sister’s eldest son had made the pièce de resistance. 

Christmas dinner; my sister took the picture 

After dinner my sister and family left. I stayed the night. It was nice to have some quiet time with my dad and his wife. And in the morning we had breakfast together. But then it was time to head to my mum’s for Boxing Day. 

Along the way I bought some food for in the train. It would be another long day of travel! But then I could just relax at my mum’s. With tea, and bockbier, and cheese and crackers. And another run. It was nice and relaxed! But then time came to go to bed. My visit was almost over. 

In the morning I had to get up early. I said bye to my mum, who then just went back to sleep. And I stepped into the fresh morning air, heading home again!