May 25th
We left the beautiful city of Brugge and drove the backroads to Ypres. We visited Lepers in 1972 and all the war memorials in the Flanders area of Belgium. Ypres was totally destroyed during WWI and rebuilt immediately afterwards exactly as it was before the War. We walked around for awhile as our campground was quite close. So far the camping sights have been great with hot showers, amenities to wash clothes and dishes, etc. and cost approx. $20/night. We are very comfortable in our van. We have not had a problem with the power to the fridge and water pump since it was fixed and the motor is purring (sure hope it continues). We play cards pretty well every evening and get together with some of the other campers, but generally we are staying to ourselves.
We got up today (May 26th) and went into the centre of Ypres for the Saturday market where they sell everything from socks to fresh fish. We love the food in Europe and enjoy all the great cheeses, meats, wines and beers and fresh fruit and vegetables. We brought back our groceries for a wonderful lunch and returned to town so that George could see the War Museum. I just walked around and enjoyed all the wonderful sights and sounds. Tomorrow we will see a couple of the larger grave sights and then to Calais, France to catch the boat to Dover.
The microsoft program that we received from the Murphy's is fantastic and is helping us get around so much better than any map. Also, the weather is still cooperating.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Thursday, May 24, 2007
May 23rd
Because our battery that charges the fridge, water pump and inside lights seemed to have died last evening, we knew that we had to phone Donna the next morning. Being ony 100 kms from Utrecht, we called her and asked that Hussein (Insane as our boys' called him) be there to fix everything. George was a little disappointed to say the least that our trip was being somewhat destroyed at this point, especially when it stalled at a gas station and we had to push it. The Turkish mechanic Hussein was not what we would call very qualified. No surprise that when we arrived back in Utrecht, Hussein was not there. He works on "Mexican time" -- tomorrow! All in all, after three hours, everything seemed to be AOK so we left for Gouda.
We were very surprised to find that Gouda did not have a campground and we had to "free camp" in a large parking lot that had amenities for "free campers". Had a lovely walk in the beautiful place remembering Gouda from 35 years ago. We left the next morning (today) and had a perfect drive on back roads to Brugge passing through many beautiful smaller spots along the way. We are pretty well equipped now with outside chairs, a small electric coffee maker and all the small things that make life great. We are enjoying the wonderful food, i.e. cheese, wine, beer, etc.
Today in Brugge, Belgium we had another beautiful day. The weather has been in the high 20's every day and looks like it will be perfect for another couple of days. Brugge is just like Rick Steeve's says -- "if you only have one place to see in Belgium, see Brugge". We went to a chocolate museum, a beer museum andwent on a canal boat tour. The place is absolutely fantastic. We just returned to our campground after returning on the bus (silly to drive into town sometimes) and after updating the blog, will have a nice dinner, play a bit of crib and hit the sack after walking Brugge for almost 10 hours.
Tomorrow we head towards Oostende and then on to Calais, France to take the ferry over to Dover and begin our tour of the British Isles. It has only been a little over one week and we have had a blast. So much has happened. We feel like we did 35 years ago, but with a bit different perspective on things. I believe I am enjoying and appreciating the sights and culture even more. All we hope for is that our vehicle keeps running well. I am not sure if I mentioned that it was an automatic. What a pleasant surprise. When we figure out how to attach pictures to this blog, I will. George is loving his camera and has taken many, many photos.
Will be in touch when we get to Great Britain. If anyone wishes, just email to:
nerretergs@hotmail.com
Love, Sandra and George
Because our battery that charges the fridge, water pump and inside lights seemed to have died last evening, we knew that we had to phone Donna the next morning. Being ony 100 kms from Utrecht, we called her and asked that Hussein (Insane as our boys' called him) be there to fix everything. George was a little disappointed to say the least that our trip was being somewhat destroyed at this point, especially when it stalled at a gas station and we had to push it. The Turkish mechanic Hussein was not what we would call very qualified. No surprise that when we arrived back in Utrecht, Hussein was not there. He works on "Mexican time" -- tomorrow! All in all, after three hours, everything seemed to be AOK so we left for Gouda.
We were very surprised to find that Gouda did not have a campground and we had to "free camp" in a large parking lot that had amenities for "free campers". Had a lovely walk in the beautiful place remembering Gouda from 35 years ago. We left the next morning (today) and had a perfect drive on back roads to Brugge passing through many beautiful smaller spots along the way. We are pretty well equipped now with outside chairs, a small electric coffee maker and all the small things that make life great. We are enjoying the wonderful food, i.e. cheese, wine, beer, etc.
Today in Brugge, Belgium we had another beautiful day. The weather has been in the high 20's every day and looks like it will be perfect for another couple of days. Brugge is just like Rick Steeve's says -- "if you only have one place to see in Belgium, see Brugge". We went to a chocolate museum, a beer museum andwent on a canal boat tour. The place is absolutely fantastic. We just returned to our campground after returning on the bus (silly to drive into town sometimes) and after updating the blog, will have a nice dinner, play a bit of crib and hit the sack after walking Brugge for almost 10 hours.
Tomorrow we head towards Oostende and then on to Calais, France to take the ferry over to Dover and begin our tour of the British Isles. It has only been a little over one week and we have had a blast. So much has happened. We feel like we did 35 years ago, but with a bit different perspective on things. I believe I am enjoying and appreciating the sights and culture even more. All we hope for is that our vehicle keeps running well. I am not sure if I mentioned that it was an automatic. What a pleasant surprise. When we figure out how to attach pictures to this blog, I will. George is loving his camera and has taken many, many photos.
Will be in touch when we get to Great Britain. If anyone wishes, just email to:
nerretergs@hotmail.com
Love, Sandra and George
Monday, May 21, 2007
May 21st update
Landed in Amsterdam after not sleeping all night. A little weary, we packed our heavy belongings and headed for the train station to Utrecht to meet with Donna (Turner Campers). She picked us up in an old VW bus and we thought to ourselves "Oh No I hope that is not ours!"
She was a bit disorganized to say the least, but finally after a couple of days of problems with our fridge, etc. we were on our way. We stayed in northern Holland for a couple of days of heavenly bliss getting our thoughts and feelings together for our upcoming journey. Our stay in Friesen was absolutely delightful. We enjoyed watching a sport that is only played in this part of Holland and enjoyed the people we spoke with. Most of the time we walk and enjoy the sights. Our van is working well -- touch wood everyone -- and we are sleeping and eating comfortably. For a country of 17 million that is so small, we cannot believe how much land there is. So far, the weather has been beautiful. Just a little rain one evening. To date, the takeaways from Holland are that everyone is in great shape due to the bicycle riding that everyone does. They also seem to eat well. Bicyclists have their own indendent lanes and generally the right-of-way. Georg says the women are beautiful. I liked the 17 year-old boys playing the sport we watched. Looking to head south to Belgium and on to Calais to take ferry to British Isles end of next week. Now that we have found out how to use our computer at the airport or whereever, will try to keep in touch.
She was a bit disorganized to say the least, but finally after a couple of days of problems with our fridge, etc. we were on our way. We stayed in northern Holland for a couple of days of heavenly bliss getting our thoughts and feelings together for our upcoming journey. Our stay in Friesen was absolutely delightful. We enjoyed watching a sport that is only played in this part of Holland and enjoyed the people we spoke with. Most of the time we walk and enjoy the sights. Our van is working well -- touch wood everyone -- and we are sleeping and eating comfortably. For a country of 17 million that is so small, we cannot believe how much land there is. So far, the weather has been beautiful. Just a little rain one evening. To date, the takeaways from Holland are that everyone is in great shape due to the bicycle riding that everyone does. They also seem to eat well. Bicyclists have their own indendent lanes and generally the right-of-way. Georg says the women are beautiful. I liked the 17 year-old boys playing the sport we watched. Looking to head south to Belgium and on to Calais to take ferry to British Isles end of next week. Now that we have found out how to use our computer at the airport or whereever, will try to keep in touch.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
The day is finally here and George will soon be coming down from being three feet off the ground for the past long while. He is the most excited about our upcoming journey. I will be as excited when we arrive and get everything in the VW ready to roll. I am just a little bit melancholy about leaving our family and friends, etc. for the six months. Dad is coming over for lunch today and Tony will be cooking us a lovely early dinner of halibut cheeks (whatever that is) and then off to the airport for a 7 pm flight direct to Amsterdam. We will be in touch using this method. You are welcome to give the info to anyone you think might be interested in following our trip.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Packing continued
Finished packing my backpack c/w sleeping bag, hope I have not forgotten anything as there is no more room. Next we packed Sandra's backpack, it only has enough space left for our last minute toiletries. Both our day packs are also full. This will make the initial travel from the Amsterdam airport to Utrecht very interesting. However not to panic as most of the stuff will be stored away once we take receipt of our VW camper.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
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