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  Photo “The Netherlands has a more charming air to it that can't really be explained”
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So as it seems it's a bit difficult to be updating daily on this trip - go figure!
In Scotland, Meaghan's internet was down for a few days, and on the 8th we left to go to the Netherlands. Now it's already the 10th and we are very apologetic to everyone - We're not dead, just on vacation. But thanks for all of your concern.

Our Aunt and Uncle picked us up at the airport and drove us outside of Amsterdam and into the countryside around the town of Elburg. The weather here is the same as Scotland when we left - overcast, no rain, and a bit cold. And much more windy. Which explains windmills.
Speaking of windmills, the ones here are much more industrialized then in the pictures. Driving by, there are usually about twenty of them in a row, all shiny, thin, and made of metal. The government is very supportive of this "clean energy"and invests a lot into it.
In a way we saw a lot of the same things we saw in Glasgow - Tons of sheep and cattle, but the Netherlands generally has a more charming air to it that can't really be explained.
We arrived at the house in late afternoon. The property is very big with two pastures, a barn, a house that they rent out, and a main house. In the pasture there are two sheep, and also a little chicken coop. We've been quite tired from all the driving, and flying, and driving again, so we spent our first day just relaxing and going for a short walk around the area to see the ponies in a neighbouring field. There was even a baby that looked less then a week old.
Karin and I noticed some new construction since we last came here, a lot of it in fact. Just down the road they are building a very large concrete highschool that kind of sets off the mood of the place, and behind it are rows upon rows of white uniformed houses. We were a bit disheartened by the sight.
After a good nights sleep we awoke to have some lovely Dutch breakfast - toast with chocolate sprinkles. It was Easter Monday, so a whole lot of the family came down for lunch and an Easter Egg hunt. In the end, two eggs are still missing, but they've probably been eaten by something by now. Evening time consisted of more family affairs - we drove out to The Hague to visit Unlce Kees and our cousins. The Hague was a very lively place, we wish we had more time to visit it. 
The next day we took the bicycles down to the main town of Eldburg. It wasn't as far as we remembered, barely a fifteen minute ride. This town is very old, about 800 hundred years, and used to be a big trade spot. There were guided tours of the place, but we decided to just wander around, stopping at a cafe (Illy!) to grab a bite to eat. When we got back to the house, there was an interesting delivery to the barn. Our aunt and uncle actually have four sheep, but two of them were sent off to a friend of theirs to give birth. One of them has done so and was ready to come back. We were sure that Meaghan would be very jealous to know we've got our own lamb in the backyard now! The other sheep is carrying twins, but has still not given birth. It's unlikely that we will get to see them before we go, but at least we got to see one of them!
Tonight we are going out with Sarah, our cousin's wife, And tomorrow is our Aunt's birthday. After that we head into Amsterdam. From there we will hopefully be able to find an internet cafe and give you all an update.
Thanks for all your e-mails!


Comments or Questions for the Author

Adam & Meaghan says:

You can bet your ass Meaghan is jealous. You gave us some inspiration to start one of these travel blogs as well. Its so much easier than telling everyone the same story of what we did over and over again. Glad you guys got there safe. See you in June!!

Posted 4/10/2007 12:19:14 PM ( permalink )

MoM says:

Hey, those are called "sheep" and "chickens" and "americanos" here in Australia too!!!! whatdayaknow!!! Beautiful photos, girls. Looks like lotsanlotsa fun.

Posted 4/10/2007 4:49:00 PM ( permalink )

MoM says:

Don't know if we can really beleive the story about the lamb - after all, you didn't include a photo of her.

Posted 4/10/2007 4:55:10 PM ( permalink )

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