Throwback Thursdays ~ The Trek to Holland

Throwback Thursdays

In honor of the beginning of Throwback Thursdays, I thought I would start by saying what I believe I would like to feature in this section. Throwback… going back, to what things were like, what people were like and what they did in life a time back in history, any time in history.

Throwback Thursdays

The Trek to Holland

October 15, 2011

Funny how life can be moving along one day, and the next, your life is packed into boxes and crates ready to be shipped around the world.

 After growing up in Michigan and then living in Texas all of my adult life, our family moved to The Netherlands. Usually around my age people go through a midlife crisis. I wouldn't call this a crisis, but life altering~yes!

We arrived in The Netherlands on July 4th, 2011. For my home country this would be Independence Day. For me, this would be Where Can I Find the Closest Bed Day. We arrived at Schipple Airport in Amsterdam with our luggage, two of our kids and our two dogs in tow.

 After we collected our luggage and Missy and Sugar showed the border patrol their Paw's Ports, we were on our way to Eindhoven where we would be living. 

We were all so tired but drove straight to our new house. While everyone else was unloading our luggage, I took the two dogs through the house. We had not been there one minute when all of a sudden Sugar found a pond in the back yard that I didn't even know was there.

 It was a square cube and she couldn't get out because the sides were too steep. So I had to haul this 120lbs dog out of the water! What a mess! Not to be out done, Missy went in next. Again, I had to haul a cold wet dog out of the water! By this time everyone else was finally in the house just in time to see 2 dirty, wet, smelly dogs and me soaked to the skin! Welcome to Holland!~

Windmill Wednesdays ~ The Roosdonck

Welcome to Windmill Wednesdays!

In my attempt to bring more of The Netherlands to my friends and family back in the States I ventured into an idea to feature a different windmill every Wednesday. My initial thought was to travel to each windmill in person for up close and personal photos. Hmmmmm We might have to amend that a tiny bit. The Netherlands may be small but that’s a whole lot of driving. But we shall see. There may be a chance that I feature a windmill, photo credit someone else and then add to the blog if I have the chance to visit the windmill. Here’s hoping….

My first windmill to be featured by this American Girl is….

The Rosedonck in Nuenen, The Netherlands

1884

Windmill Roosdonck 
Gerwenseweg 2 
5674 SG Nuenen 

The Rosedonck is a grain mill and located in Nuenen. The mill collapsed during a tragic accident during the mill building process. One boy was crushed but all of the others were only slightly injured. After years of operation and being bought and sold to various people, the municipality of Nuenen finally bought the mill in 1970. After a major reconstruction in 1996 the mill was once again in the hands of private owners.

The Roosdonck’s beauty was captured on many drawings made famous from the artist Vincent Van Gogh. If you visit Nuenen, be sure to visit the Vincentre in the city centrum.

With the help of “Friends of the Roosdonck” this beautiful mill is able to keep a historical figure in Nuenen a beautiful sight to see.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLWPK3ggzFE

http://www.roosdonck.nl/

http://www.vangoghvillagenuenen.nl/the-vincentre.aspx

Coming Soon to a Blog Near You!

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been brainstorming on new ideas for my blog American Girl in Holland. I started this blog 2 summers ago after the encouragement of a few friends to tell the story of my expat adventures. It was a great way to keep track of everything that I’m doing so that my family and friends could follow and remember.

Along the way, I’ve talked about my adventures in travel, a little bit about my kids, my dogs, funny things about the Dutch and funny things about Americans or me in particular.

I’ve recently decided to add a few repeating themes to my blog. One thing I love about writing my blog is that it’s mine. No one is paying me to write, I do it for my own pleasure. Along the way if others choose to read and enjoy…. That’s just a bonus. But I enjoy writing what I want and when I want. We’ve all heard about writers block. Well… let me say this ~ it’s true. Sometimes, I’ll be looking at a blank page trying to think of something exciting to say and all I get is nothing. An idea has to jump out at me and make me want to write about it.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll begin gathering info on a few topics I would like to repeat weekly. (Hopefully) If there’s one missing go ahead and understand I’m having a mental block.

I will also be looking for people that would like to guest blog or weigh in their opinions on a few topics. If this interests you just let me know by e mail…. Ljochim@juno.com

Stay tuned for these upcoming repeating topics:

Windmill Wednesdays

Throwback Thursdays

Fashion Fridays ~ Funny or Fabulous?

Remember the part I said above about what I want, when I want? I will still be throwing in all sorts of other random stories about my adventures and of course my beloved puppies.

So for now…. Stay cool. Forecast for the day: High 93 with a low of 64. That’s Degrees not Celsius. Pretty, blue sky, glorious huge green trees blowing in the breeze, windmills turning, swans and ducks gently floating on the lakes and canals and the slight smell of pot in some areas. 

I Heart Cheese

Willie Nelson once said, “The early bird catches the worm but the second mouse gets the cheese.” Oh to be the lucky little second mouse. What luck he had by being a little slower than his friend.

Since moving to Europe my weekly trips to the market have been a shopper’s delight. My favorite store in town always has little stations set up along the route taken around the store for sampling. One time I arrived and I was handed a wine glass. Wine vendors from around Europe were all stationed around the store letting people sample their fine wines. I had to sober up by the time I got over to the paper goods section. Now that’s the way to get me to spend my money in their store. Another time... I was strolling past the wine section when a vendor asked me if I’d like a shot of Tequila. I laughed and said “Are you serious?” I declined but then strolled back a few minutes later for a little taste. And yes, I purchased a bottle.

But I do have to say, my favorite section is the cheese section. My youngest daughter won’t even walk near the cheese because she has such disdain for cheese. The smell, the taste, the texture…. But these are all things I love about cheese. Each week, I stop to chat with the people selling the cheese and having a nibble or two before making my selections. My friend Hans will usually just walk over to me and hand me this one cheese I love. Still to this day, I don’t even know what it is.. but he knows.

I was having guests from America a few weeks ago and told Hans this as I was trying to make good selections for an appetizer. Hans said, “Well, you have to give them the heart cheese and then tell them the story.” I had never heard the story so Hans shared it with me… and I thought I’d share it here. It’s a beautiful little story and even if you don’t love cheese… you may love this little story.

Neufchatel is one of oldest cheeses from France dating back to the year 1035 from a village in the Normandy area called Neufchatel-en-Bray. The story of the heart shaped cheese is believed to have begun during the 100 years’ war when the French farm girls fell in love with the English soldiers and started making the cheese in heart shapes to show their affection. The Coeur de Bray or Heart of Bray, is a delicious addition to any day… especially with a charming little love story such as this.

So if you’re as smart as that second little mouse, take a stroll through the cheese section of your local market and look for the heart shaped cheese. A white thick outer layer filled with soft creamy delight on top of a cracker or all alone is perfect.  Just say cheese… and smile!

Lisa’s Top Ten Places to Go in the Summer

With the onset of the beautiful long days of summer all around us here in The Netherlands, I thought I would share my Top Ten Things to do here that would require only a short bike, car or train ride. If you are having visitors or need something fun to do with your family, these places are always on my list. I have only lived here two short years but am so appreciative of the beauty that surrounds this lovely area we call home.

10. Biking to the Market: Riding my bike to the market that is held in my local shopping area once a week is pure joy. Not only do I get to choose the freshest fruits, vegetables and flowers, it’s a wonderful way to get to know the people in my neighborhood. People wave, we chat, smile all while catching up on how we are all doing. There are markets all over the area held each day of the week. Mine is on Wednesdays.

9. Postel, Belgium: Driving just 20 minutes from my home, I’m able to take visitors or lunch with my friends in Belgium. It’s a great way for people to be able to visit another country on their European vacation. The Postel Abbey is my go to place for peace and happiness and just across the street is my favorite little place to have lunch or dinner. De Drie Linden is a great place to either sit out on the patio to enjoy the view or inside for a little cozier atmosphere. By the way… order the asparagus soup…. It’s lekker!

8. Drinks in the Centrum: I love that each little city here in The Netherlands has a centrum or center or the city. People gather from all over the areas to shop, dine and just sit and enjoy a drink or two while chatting with friends. It’s a great way to meet others and the perfect way to relax. My favorite centrum… of course… Eindhoven!

7. Wings of Liberation Museum: Spending a day walking through the Wings of Liberation Museum in Son is a great way to appreciate with gratitude and remembrance a group of soldiers that liberated Holland during a horrific time in history. Operation Market Garden was not a military success but in the eyes and hearts of the people of The Netherlands, it’s a time that will never be taken lightly or ever forgotten.

6. Eersel:  Weather I’m having lunch or drinks with friends at Promessa, picking up some chocolate at Struben,  shopping in the centrum square at or picking out a new wine or appetizer at Ad Kuyten Specialteiten, Eersel is one of my favorite little cities just  a hop, skip and a jump away from Eindhoven.

5. Blueberry and Raspberry picking: One of my favorite things about summer is the fresh fruit. As a child I would love to pick fresh blueberries at our cottage in Michigan first thing in the morning. My Grandma would then make them into blueberry pancakes. So getting the opportunity to pick fresh blueberries and raspberries is not only delicious…. It’s an instant call to my memories. The blueberry farm is in Nuenen at Vorsterdijk 16A and the raspberry farm is in Meijel at Steenoven 28 http://raspberry-maxx.opdepc.nl/index.php?actie=home.

4. Amsterdam: I feel so blessed to be near a city as cool as Amsterdam. To me…. it is just so much fun to ride the train into Amsterdam Central, walk across the street from the station and hop on a canal ride. Cruising past the stunning Amsterdam houses all pressed together standing tall and proud is just amazing. I especially enjoy listening to the history of the city. My favorite canal ride is the hop on and hop off tour. This tour not only takes you through all of the city but also to the museums in town. The Anne Frank and the Rijksmuseum are my favorites. Next on my list will be a trip to the Van Gogh Museum.

3. De Oude Rechtbank: De Oude Rechtbank is my new favorite place to go in Eindhoven.  The old court house on Stratumseind has kept the historical feel of the building along with transforming it into an eclectic trendy place to be. Events, parties, bands, theatrical and comedy groups and much more are featured here all of the time.  Lunch, dinner or just hanging out with friends having a drink, it’s the perfect place to go.

2. Kinderdijk: To me… there is no better place to see the beauty of The Netherland windmills than to see them at the Kinderdijk. Situated in the tiny village of Kinderdijk about 15 miles from Rotterdam, this area is one of The Netherlands most famous tour sights. For 4.50 euro’s you are able to go on a leisurely ferry boat ride and sail past 19 windmills that date back hundreds of years. They still work but water is now pumped from one of the largest pumping stations in the world. Walking and biking are also very popular ways to view the windmills. A summer day at the Kinderdijk… perfect!

AND MY NUMBER 1 FAVORITE PLACE TO GO IN THE SUMMER

1. Scheveningen: There’s nothing like a summer day spent at the beach and luckily for the great people of The Netherlands, we live close enough to drive or train over to Scheveningen. Swim gear, sunblock, towels, shorts and a little money if you decide to dine at one of the great restaurants along the boardwalk is all that is needed. Oh that… and a little sun! But if the sun does peek out a bit, get there fast and get your spot. It fills up fast.

Have fun and be safe!

Little Miss Manners

Today I had something shocking happen to me. I was at my local shopping center in Gestel. Walking through the crowds of people I looked up to see a man coming directly toward me. On a normal day I would dodge out of the way because for some reason since moving to The Netherlands I’ve become invisible in such situations. Usually people just plow right into me. There’s no “I’m sorry or Pardon me”, they just run right into me. I’m constantly saying “I’m sorry, I’m so so sorry”.  But today as I dodged to one side of him, he made a similar move. We both danced back and forth trying to figure out which way each person was trying to go. The man finally gallantly stepped back and gestured with a long bow allowing me to pass by. I went past and said “Thank you kind Sir”.

What is shocking about this behavior was not that it was done but that it was the first time it’s been done to me since moving to The Netherlands.

I come from a southern state in the United States of America. In the south, Gentlemen and Ladies always use good manners when around someone of the opposite sex. People here laugh at me when I call them Sir or Madam. I really don’t know any other way. It’s not saying the person is old it’s saying that you respect that person. I would use this language with a child and expect that they use it with me. My own children when speaking to me or another adult most often will say “Yes, Ma’am or No Sir”.

I was with some Dutch teenagers the other day. I had been helping them with their English skills helping prepare them for their Cambridge exam. The boys and I were walking out of the classroom and my hands were full. As we got to the door, they looked at me and knew what was happening. One boy reached ahead of me and grabbed the door pulling it open for all of us to follow through.  I looked at him with surprise.. as did he..He said… “I’ve never held the door open for another person before.” I was shocked! “How was that possible?” He said he didn’t know and I told him that in America, it was very common to hold the door for a lady. I told them that my husband always held the door for me and that I appreciated it and was kind to him in other ways.

Here’s another example of being kind to one another.  I biked  to the market the other day to get milk and pick up Todd’s shirts. After walking out to go put my milk in the saddlebags (I got 2 so I wouldn't tip over) I looked at my husband’s neatly pressed shirts. They had a nice plastic covering and were all on hangers. hmmmm So as I backed up my bike I realized this probably wasn't the best idea for getting his shirts home without messing them up... when all of a sudden out runs Nico. "Lisa Lisa.. you are by bike? I will bag up your shirts to make it easier." No, he couldn't see me from a window... His wife Marie had reminded him that we were just talking about me riding my bike and they wanted to make sure I was ok. KINDNESS.... IT'S A GOOD THING!

The Old Man

Duty, loyalty and patriotism are just a few words that come to mind when thinking of General George S. Patton, so when friends asked if we would like to drive to see where Patton was buried, we said yes! As an American, what better way to celebrate Memorial Day. 

There has been a lot of information written about General Patton but I thought I would just like to include this prayer he sent his men of the Third Army on December 8, 1944. To me, this says it all… a God loving man who believed in helping others in a land far away from his family.

General Patton died on December 21, 1945, due to complications from a car accident and was laid to rest per his request with his men at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial in Hamm, Luxembourg. 

(The view from behind General Patton's grave~looking over his men)

 It was an honor to be able to visit this magnificent cemetery that is the resting place for 5076 fallen soldiers. Among them there are 101 unknown soldiers, 22 sets of brothers and 1 female nurse, all with their leader forever watching over them.

Wars may be won with weapons, but they are fought by men"

General George Smith Patton Junior