Visit to Vriezenveen, Netherlands - 19th - 21st
May 2006
A total of nine couples went on the trip, going by various means involving
all forms of transport - Car, Bus, Train, Plane & Ship.
Our group of four couples arrived at Stansted Airport at about 6.00 am to be
greeted by complete chaos! All the Easyjet computers had crashed at about 3.30
am. with the result that the area around the check-in desks was just a solid
mass of travellers. Luckily as we weren't booked through Easyjet; we managed to
fight our way to check-in and were soon through security and enjoying a
coffee!. We had had the foresight to have booked with a new airline -
Transvania Airlines ( www.draculasblood.com - no - only kidding!)
The flight to Rotterdam was not that comfortable due to the strong wind, but,
boy -oh-boy, what an exciting landing!
We quickly caught a 33 bus from the airport to Rotterdam Central Railway
Station and without any problem bought our tickets and boarded our train. Easy!
Don't be silly! We soon found that we would have to move, which we did twice,
because up until the last moment, nobody told us the train was splitting!
We were met at Almelo and had a walk through the town, having a snack and
drinks at a Pub, where of all things, a wedding was taking place. We were asked
to keep our voices down, so the bride & groom could hear their vows! After
a meal at our respective hosts, then on to their Café Zandvoorst, their
usual meeting place for more drinks and canapés. Very good fellowship
all around. An eventful Friday.
On the Saturday, we were all taken to Hattem, a delightful town about 40 miles
distant. After a short canal/river boat trip, we walked around the town. Lunch
was served in the French School and then we visited a Bakery Museum, which was
most interesting, as they were baking there in the old way.
On all returning with our hosts for a rest, wash and brush-up, we departed to a
local restaurant for more drinks, speeches (nice and short) with Neil speaking
in Dutch. I did not understand a single word, but our hosts were definitely
very appreciative! Then we had an excellent buffet. I had three platefuls
including steak which you cooked yourself over a B.B.Q. It was one of the best
I've ever had.
On Sunday, we all met at Wim and Marion's for coffee and nibbles and then on to
their new house. 4,500 sq.feet!! Wim said it would be finished by early August
(My gosh - I've just looked outside whilst writing this and seen some pigs
flying. Well, well, well.) Now back to Ommen to an hotel for, yes, you've
guessed it, drinks and, yes, more food!
And , yes, having caught the train with two changes, on the last leg, we nearly
ended up at The Hague, because it split - twice - yet again. Rest of journey
uneventful. Overall a most excellent and friendly weekend. Would thoroughly
recommend it.
P.S. One thing I did learn from our Rotarian friends was that they have even
more rules and regulations than ourselves. Unbelievable.
Our thanks to Alan Pudney for his report.
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