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.