Friday, August 28, 2009

GPS Addiction

Well friends, today we needed to go to the nearest commissary to buy turkey bologna for a toddler who is addicted to the substance, and meat and canned goods and treats for the cat. Anyway, we decided to visit a Kasteel (castle) near the commissary. So, like a good trouper, I found a lovely one with a restaurant (usual Commissary run fare is Burger King) on the internet. No address on its site. So, I asked my GPS to find it. And, my GPS recognized the name. Off the three of us went -- yes, Eric was available and had an errand to run there. We followed the GPS. And again -- like our hunt for the famed winery of greater Arnhem -- we were left in the middle of a residential street. Based on street signs, we got near to the location, but clearly not near enough for us to see any sign of it.

Ah well, we'll find it another day!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Uden, our big city

I have failed to write about Uden, our big city (Volkel is a village and is considered part of greater Uden). It is not that Uden isn't a wonderful town. And the people are amazingly friendly and warm. It is not that there are no good restaurants. It is that Operation Market Garden and the fact that the Luftwaffe was in Volkel mean that the whole area is new since 1945. So, despite market mornings and dappled sunlight, despite many parks, and people playing accordion in the streets, it lacks the physical charm of a city that survived WW II more in tact -- like Veghel, our near neighbor or Den Bosch.

Eileen and I go there often. The shops, like most places in the Netherlands (and like most places in the US) tend to be chain stores. Two of my favorite non-chain stores are going out of business...I assume that would be true in the US too. But, most days are like today. I managed in my mostly useful Nederlands to do errands and marketing. Eileen made such a big hit with the olive man that he gave her not just free samples there, but a goody bag to go home with (have I mentioned that the Dutch love kids).

So, I should tell you what the difference is between Volkel and Uden. Volkel has about 5 places to eat (two restaurants -- the rest snack bars or bars). Uden has more like 50 -- including ethnic restaurants (note: do not expect Mexican or South American food to taste authentic in mostly rural Europe). Uden has 6 or more grocery stores, to specialty fish stores, a specialty cheese store, at least one butcher, and at least four bakeries (possibly more). Volkel has a grocery store, a bakery, and a really nice butcher.

Friday, August 14, 2009

My love of Dairy continues to grow

The other day Eileen and I met some friends in Eindhoven for lunch. I looked at the specials menu and saw a Belgian waffle with strawberries and whipped cream as a special. Now, I don't know if I have blogged about this, but Pancakes are a reasonable dinner here, sort of a flat crepe...they come sweet or savory. When we go for pancakes, Eileen often gets one with strawberries. So, I thought it would make a happy baby lunch.

Out came my smoked salmon and herbed cream cheese sandwich on a baguette and her lovely waffle.

My child ate about half my cream cheese and all of her whipped cream - except the tiny bit I tasted. Hoo boy...was that yummy. I think that most of the cows here are grass fed...and it comes out in all their dairy products. Butter, cheese, cream cheese, milk. So, it makes me wonder that most of my Dutch friends use diet margarine on their sandwiches.

In other news, I have figured out the bus system and the fact that in general, it isn't much cheaper than driving...but sometimes it is convenient not to have a car in places. The cheapest method of using the bus is to go to a grocery store, news stand, book store...and buy a multi-use pass (a stripkaart). Then you hop the bus, tell the driver where you want to get off, and s/he will mark your pass accordingly. Our closest bus stop is at the windmill -- about 1/4 mile from home. It will take us to Uden or to Eindhoven. I thought it would be fun...and allow me to interact with Eileen. It took about 1.75 times the amount of time hopping in the car and driving directly would...but made up for that by actually costing a bit more (if we had stayed longer, then it might have been cheaper since parking does cost in Eindhoven).

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Another week in Germany

I have been computer free for 3 days. Instead, I enjoyed some time with Eileen and Eric in Germany. We got Eileen vaccinated for 18 months. We took the shuttle bus places while singing "The Wheels on the Bus" and "3 Cheers for the Bus Driver." We were surprised that none of the bus drivers there had been serenaded with bus appropriate music before. We played on a playground or two. We enchanted Eric's leadership chain (okay, this was all Eileen...I was merely her roadie).

In short, I haven't blogged -- but not too much has happened.

Monday, August 3, 2009

returning again

well, I am back. and of course, unpacked. Let's see...we took the overnight ferry to Newcastle, we spent a week in Edinburgh (slightly less), a night in Tongue, 6 days in Kirkwall, then an overnight visit with friends in Carlisle and chunnel back to home. Details and photos will follow.