My introduction to Europe through Holland has been a cold and hail-filled one. I've had a week of adjusting to the windy Netherlands while visiting my friend Laura and her family. I also spent a few days in Amsterdam (pictured above) and a small town called Ermelo, with some Dutch relatives, Gera and Peter. I met their five sons, had tea with some of my Opa's siblings, and we took a canal tour in the town of Utrecht.
King's day, a Dutch holiday where many people wear orange, was a quick, rainy visit with Laura, her husband Nick, and their baby Katelyn, to the center of Rotterdam; there long enough to see the flea market (where anyone can set up a table and sell things) and get some street food.
On my last day in Holland, Laura, Katelyn, and I visited Gouda, which had a windmill you could climb to the top of, as well as delicious bread and chesse.
I spent the last few days in Paris (pictures below) walking around the entire city and seeing all the sights, as well as eating more bread and cheese. Next I am headed to Taize, a monastic community in eastern France, for a week before heading out to start the Camino trail.
http://www.taize.fr/en
In an effort to keep the weight down, I left my tablet behind, so I will write again when I can!
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| Sacred heart |
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| Chocolate shop |
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| Notre-Dame |
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| These are all locks! |
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| The Louvre |
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| Arc de Triomphe |
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| Moulin Rouge |
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| Eiffel Tower |
That is so cool Jamila. Thanks for posting the pics. Was the language barrier a problem when talking to Opa's relatives? Was Paris fun this time of year? Most places come to life in the summer.
ReplyDeleteHi Ketchups!!! What can I say,France is just so rich with history and culture. Really cool you have met so many amazing people,may your journey bring many more adventures! I hope the Camino is all you dreamed of. xoxoxox
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