Our 2016 Europe trip begins.

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Arrived in Holland : 22-8-16

Location: Cousin Martin’s House, s’Gravendeel, Netherlands.

Our flight over was very uneventful and fortunately for us the first flight had spare seats which we were able to take advantage of, giving ourselves some extra room. On our second flight from Dubai we were looked after well by our Stewardess who gave us some extra bottles of wine with our meal.

Arriving mid-afternoon we were picked up at the airport by Ewoud [my cousin] and after a drive of about an hour and quarter we were reunited with Cousin Martin and our beloved motorhome the “Bunyip”.

The Bunyip. Our home for the next 6 weeks.
The Bunyip. Our home for the next 6 weeks.

On our first half in day in Holland we had a coffee, then dinner and an early night. Nothing very exciting.

Putting our figurines on the front of the motorhome takes a bit of work. We don't have much room left.
Putting our figurines on the front of the motorhome takes a bit of work. We don’t have much room left.

Day two and we all had an early start, not planned just a reaction from the jet lag. The morning was a hive of activity with the motorhome being prepared for travel. The “Bunyip was left in good shape after Helen, Anne and John had used it for three months traveling to England, Ireland and Scotland.

The Euromast. A perfect day with a clear sky for seeing the sights.
The Euromast. A perfect day with a clear sky for seeing the sights.
Lori in her clogs at the Euromast.
Lori in her clogs at the Euromast.
Views form the top.
Views form the top.
The bridge going up to let the boat through.
The bridge going up to let the boat through.
Martin , Jenny and Lori enjoying the view.
Martin , Jenny and Lori enjoying the view.
Jenny and Lori.
Jenny and Lori.
The views are varied, below is a picturesque garden.
The views are varied, below is a picturesque garden.

After lunch we were ready for a rest and decided to go for a drive to the Euromast in Rotterdam. This is a tower that overlooks the city of Rotterdam and also the port and surrounding areas. After paying 9 euros we took the lift to the first observation area and then another revolving glass-sided lift which takes you to the top at a height of 185 meters. The first strange thing we noticed was that we could not pay the entrance fee in cash, only credit card. For safety reasons they say! Luckily Martin had his with him as we only took cash. [We did pay him back].

The miller gave us a tour of the mill explaining how it all works. The place still makers flour for bakeries.
The miller gave us a tour of the mill explaining how it all works. The place still makes flour for bakeries.
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When the sail is turning it means that the place is open to the public. Jenny and Lori standing in front, gives you idea of the size of it.

On the drive back we called in to Puttershoek a village 6 kms. from Martins house to visit the local windmill. The mill was open and we could go inside and visit, for free [amazing to have something free in Holland]. We had a tour of the windmill and the miller explained how it all worked. The place still works and produces flour for some local bakers.

The rest of the day was spent with more sorting of our camper and for dinner, take away food from “Quicklys”. For those who have stayed at Martins will know about Quicklys. Great food and a good price.

Walking back from the supermarket past the creek. Plenty of geese there to greet us.
Walking back from the supermarket past the creek. Plenty of geese there to greet us.
Another view of the creek in s'Gravendeel.
Another view of the creek in s’Gravendeel.

Day three and it is a hot humid day for Holland getting into the mid 30 degrees. Tomorrow we are heading off and the final packing, odd jobs and sorting are completed. A trip to the supermarket to get some essentials was the plan and we returned with a full trolley and bag full of food and drink.

Ewout with a shopping bag walking back to Martins place.
Ewout with a shopping bag walking back to Martins place.

The Bunyip is ready with a full tank of water, gas, diesel, food and drinks. Our first stop will be the Arnhem Open Air Museum and an even hotter day is forecast. It will be good to hit the road again to explore more of the delights of Europe.

A new figurine for the front of the Bunyip. We are running out of room!!
A new figurine for the front of the Bunyip. We are running out of room!!

 

This Post Has 7 Comments

  1. Carolyn edwards

    Glad you arrived safely enjoy your trip and i look forward to sharing your trip through your blog with your beautifull photos xxx Carolyn Edwards

  2. Dave

    Welcome back to Europe. I really enjoy reading about your trip & seeing the pictures. We start our own tour in two weeks so we may see you on the road. Dave barron

  3. jhclutt67

    Martin took us to that windmill too. Very interesting. Glad all was ok.

  4. Mark and Mireille

    Great to hear that the Bunyip is back on the road. Enjoy the warm weather. We are exited to follow your future posts. Safe travels from Mark and Mireille

  5. leedersontour

    have a fabulous time you two! We look forward to reading about all of your adventures x

  6. Mary Pieters-van Keulen

    Hi..lovely pictures again from “my” country…have a safe journey ….Greetz from Hungary …

  7. Tim Higham

    Looking forward to following you on your new adventure.

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