Part 10, Wrapping up November 2017, making room for 2018
I just realized I have already written about not only September, but also October. On to november therefore.......almost ready to start blogging on 2018.
In november we made our first trip this year together to Holland. We love to drive through France, stop over for the night and enjoy the ride. We landed in Bergen at Lex's cousins Sien en Martien, as we have done for many years while living overseas.
It is always nice to come back to this village that has long ago become our second home. Between dentist visits and a few other things that were on the to-do-list, we had a very nice evening with all our boys and their girlfriends in Amsterdam, we enjoyed walks in the woods and I spent a nice day with Sien visiting an exhibition at https://www.kranenburgh.nl on the art of Han Bennink, a well known drummer in de jazz world. It was very inspiring how he turns what seems useless material into interesting pieces of art that have a distinct meaning, for him, and entices the watcher......at least me! Most impressive to me was the circle of sounds he created with ordinary objects......Zen!
It was so nice to catch up for a few days, before we headed to our friends Jack en Wilma, who had visited us in September. We then decided it would be so nice to see each other a bit more frequently, so we set this weekend in November to go see them. It happened to be the beginning of the carnival season (11th of November), so the city of Den Bosch (Oeteldonk in Carnival terms) was buzzing. Music, lots of people out on the streets, one big party. Towards the end of the afternoon it was almost impossible to get through streets with bars and restaurants. Despite the cold weather everybody was partying outside. And the whole city coloured in red, white and yellow. At their home Jack prepared a wonderful meal, we chatted more and even sang, taking turns in choosing a favourite song. We went through several decades of music pretending we can sing too, but mostly having a lot of laughs!
Next stop was Zeeland, where I was born and raised, for a visit to my mom and my high school friend Marjan.
We booked a hotel room for the night right on the beach, where we used to go often, when we were younger. Unfortunately it rained cats and dogs, so we warmed up in the hotel, and then headed to Marjan and Willem where the woodburning stove made for a warm welcome.
For the first time in ages I skinned the typical Zeeland shrimp, very tiny little creatures, but soooooo flavourful. We really enjoyed peeling them, chatting meanwhile, just like the fishermen's wives used to do in the early days. I understand nowadays most of that work is done in Morocco.
These on the contrary had been fished in the waters around Zeeland recently. Lex created a beautiful sauce to go with them and afterwards we had some lovely fish, accompanied by good conversation.
Before heading to my mom, we went for a refreshing walk, though cold, on the beach, that I remember so well from my childhood years. As a little girl we used to get up on Sunday mornings in the summer at 4AM and head with my dad to the dunes to see deer and rabbits. Later I would go there often with friends for a good beach walk. We went for a tour with my mom. She loves doing car trips in Zeeland and so do I. We always enjoy the views full of memories and stop for coffee and/or lunch somewhere on the way. Our usual restaurant of choice is closed on Mondays, so we searched a new place, which we found in the beach village Domburg. A lovely, modern, light fish restaurant, where we had amazing fish dishes, a feast for the eye and the mouth. We toured some more around beautiful Zeeland before returning home.
We visited my friend photographer Bianca to see her studio in Tilburg and pick up the mannequins she had bought for me. Some things are really easier to get and at a much better price in Holland then in Italy, so I am really grateful for friends that will purchase things for me and keep them until I can pick them up. We had a nice lunch at her home with husband Ron and off we were again. This time on our way to the North of France, a nice distance for a stopover on the way back to Italy, and a cousin of Lex happens to have a little house there in a beautiful area of the French Ardennes. We ate had a good glass of wine, talked and played games, a very enjoyable evening. I don't remember the name of the board game, had never played it before, but it was great fun.
Unfortunately I had picked up a virus somewhere and became sick overnight. The next day in the car was no fun, I merely slept all the way to our next stopover in Besanรงon. We found a hotel along the freeway, which was cheap and therefore not very nice, but the beds were fine. Even Lex by now started feeling like he was coming down with the same virus. Unfortunately, because we were actually heading down to the Bourgogne to meet up with cousins Sien and Martien, for visits to wineries and an introduction to the area. I had to wait until we were home to taste the goodies Lex had decided to buy. Fortunately I felt good enough to live on tea and biscuits and go for nice walks through the vineyards. And the company was splendid! We spent two days there before hitting the road back to Italy, get home and pick up Boris and Lola who were staying at a kennel for the first time. Apparently they were doing very well, which was a relief, because that means we can leave them there in case we cannot take them with us.
On that last day we still had to drive a large distance, so we left reasonably early hoping not to get stuck in traffic or snow. All went very well, we even stopped for a little bit to enjoy the feel of winter, which we don't necessarily get a lot of in Marradi. Little did we know that a few days later we would be in the midst of some real snow.
We made it home the same day and had two very happy dogs at home the morning after. As soon as we could we took them for a day to the sea, this time in Cesenatico, where we had not been yet. A typical Adriatic beach town, that if you watch well, there are some older building that still have the splendor of the past when these places were where the wealthier people would spend their summers. It was very hazy, but the fresh sea air was nevertheless very nice. The dogs had a blast. We almost had the beach for ourselves which serves us well. Boris and Lola go wild as soon as they hit the sand. For now it is better when there is noone else. Although, we met a nice gentleman walking his dog and they immediately made friends with the dog and had a great run after each other. We learned about the rules and regulations for dogs in Italy.......;-) and know that we have to take advantage of the off season. In the summer the beach is prohibited for dogs. I looooooooove the off season on the beach, graffitti that makes one dream of warmer days, the abandoned 'lungomare' with just here and there a brave person not bothered by the cold and humid air...........
Then November put on its winter hat for the second time. We woke up to some drizzle, turning into sleet and then............beautiful little snowflakes. Apparently it has not snowed often in the last few decennia, so this must have made the locals happy! Because snow melts slowly, seeps into the crevices of the rocks and supplies the aquifers with water for the summer. We for now just enjoyed the beauty of a snowy landscape, classical Xmas card views and the air so fresh, the snow so virgin, because we are the ones to tread it first, silently, as if you enter into a fairy tale.............Boris and Lola loved the snow, no need for snowboots for them, they rolled and ran and ate and played like there is no end to having fun!
Fortunately we stocked up on wood to fire up the heater and be nice and comfortable in the house. We have a heater that goes either on wood or pellets and finally figured out that burning it with good wood is a lot more economical than pellets. Hey, it takes some time to adjust after 13 years in the Middle-East where heating was (mostly) not needed.
Fairytale type winter lasted only for a few days and autumn returned in full force. It was so foggy one day, we hardly couldn't see 50 mtrs in front of us. The dogs would get lost in the fog.......but that too only lasted a day or two.
On the last day of November I went for a nice mountain walk with my friend Kasia. We had been talking for a long time about going for walks in the mountains together, but being busy each in our own way until then we had not managed to actually go! Mario took us up the mountain to a good starting point and off we were. Both armed with our cameras and a lot of subjects to chat about. For a few hours we were just there, the two of us, with only sounds of nature, an ourselves. It was cold but nice. At the end of the day treated by a nice sunset, it left us with the desire to definitely do this more often. A special friendship, both foreigners that have chosen this place as their home and sharing the passion for photography. One of those relationships that just happen, right away, you know you want to share ...........
And then it was December already........
In november we made our first trip this year together to Holland. We love to drive through France, stop over for the night and enjoy the ride. We landed in Bergen at Lex's cousins Sien en Martien, as we have done for many years while living overseas.
It is always nice to come back to this village that has long ago become our second home. Between dentist visits and a few other things that were on the to-do-list, we had a very nice evening with all our boys and their girlfriends in Amsterdam, we enjoyed walks in the woods and I spent a nice day with Sien visiting an exhibition at https://www.kranenburgh.nl on the art of Han Bennink, a well known drummer in de jazz world. It was very inspiring how he turns what seems useless material into interesting pieces of art that have a distinct meaning, for him, and entices the watcher......at least me! Most impressive to me was the circle of sounds he created with ordinary objects......Zen!
 |
| Cheering to our beautiful family and girlfriends |
 |
| In love forever with the Bergerbos |
 |
| https://www.kranenburgh.nl |
It was so nice to catch up for a few days, before we headed to our friends Jack en Wilma, who had visited us in September. We then decided it would be so nice to see each other a bit more frequently, so we set this weekend in November to go see them. It happened to be the beginning of the carnival season (11th of November), so the city of Den Bosch (Oeteldonk in Carnival terms) was buzzing. Music, lots of people out on the streets, one big party. Towards the end of the afternoon it was almost impossible to get through streets with bars and restaurants. Despite the cold weather everybody was partying outside. And the whole city coloured in red, white and yellow. At their home Jack prepared a wonderful meal, we chatted more and even sang, taking turns in choosing a favourite song. We went through several decades of music pretending we can sing too, but mostly having a lot of laughs!
 |
| Oeteldonks fashion |
 |
| Lunch in front of the St.Jan Cathedral |
 |
| Zuid-Willemsvaart in Den Bosch |
We booked a hotel room for the night right on the beach, where we used to go often, when we were younger. Unfortunately it rained cats and dogs, so we warmed up in the hotel, and then headed to Marjan and Willem where the woodburning stove made for a warm welcome.
For the first time in ages I skinned the typical Zeeland shrimp, very tiny little creatures, but soooooo flavourful. We really enjoyed peeling them, chatting meanwhile, just like the fishermen's wives used to do in the early days. I understand nowadays most of that work is done in Morocco.
These on the contrary had been fished in the waters around Zeeland recently. Lex created a beautiful sauce to go with them and afterwards we had some lovely fish, accompanied by good conversation.
Before heading to my mom, we went for a refreshing walk, though cold, on the beach, that I remember so well from my childhood years. As a little girl we used to get up on Sunday mornings in the summer at 4AM and head with my dad to the dunes to see deer and rabbits. Later I would go there often with friends for a good beach walk. We went for a tour with my mom. She loves doing car trips in Zeeland and so do I. We always enjoy the views full of memories and stop for coffee and/or lunch somewhere on the way. Our usual restaurant of choice is closed on Mondays, so we searched a new place, which we found in the beach village Domburg. A lovely, modern, light fish restaurant, where we had amazing fish dishes, a feast for the eye and the mouth. We toured some more around beautiful Zeeland before returning home.
We visited my friend photographer Bianca to see her studio in Tilburg and pick up the mannequins she had bought for me. Some things are really easier to get and at a much better price in Holland then in Italy, so I am really grateful for friends that will purchase things for me and keep them until I can pick them up. We had a nice lunch at her home with husband Ron and off we were again. This time on our way to the North of France, a nice distance for a stopover on the way back to Italy, and a cousin of Lex happens to have a little house there in a beautiful area of the French Ardennes. We ate had a good glass of wine, talked and played games, a very enjoyable evening. I don't remember the name of the board game, had never played it before, but it was great fun.
Unfortunately I had picked up a virus somewhere and became sick overnight. The next day in the car was no fun, I merely slept all the way to our next stopover in Besanรงon. We found a hotel along the freeway, which was cheap and therefore not very nice, but the beds were fine. Even Lex by now started feeling like he was coming down with the same virus. Unfortunately, because we were actually heading down to the Bourgogne to meet up with cousins Sien and Martien, for visits to wineries and an introduction to the area. I had to wait until we were home to taste the goodies Lex had decided to buy. Fortunately I felt good enough to live on tea and biscuits and go for nice walks through the vineyards. And the company was splendid! We spent two days there before hitting the road back to Italy, get home and pick up Boris and Lola who were staying at a kennel for the first time. Apparently they were doing very well, which was a relief, because that means we can leave them there in case we cannot take them with us.
On that last day we still had to drive a large distance, so we left reasonably early hoping not to get stuck in traffic or snow. All went very well, we even stopped for a little bit to enjoy the feel of winter, which we don't necessarily get a lot of in Marradi. Little did we know that a few days later we would be in the midst of some real snow.
We made it home the same day and had two very happy dogs at home the morning after. As soon as we could we took them for a day to the sea, this time in Cesenatico, where we had not been yet. A typical Adriatic beach town, that if you watch well, there are some older building that still have the splendor of the past when these places were where the wealthier people would spend their summers. It was very hazy, but the fresh sea air was nevertheless very nice. The dogs had a blast. We almost had the beach for ourselves which serves us well. Boris and Lola go wild as soon as they hit the sand. For now it is better when there is noone else. Although, we met a nice gentleman walking his dog and they immediately made friends with the dog and had a great run after each other. We learned about the rules and regulations for dogs in Italy.......;-) and know that we have to take advantage of the off season. In the summer the beach is prohibited for dogs. I looooooooove the off season on the beach, graffitti that makes one dream of warmer days, the abandoned 'lungomare' with just here and there a brave person not bothered by the cold and humid air...........
Then November put on its winter hat for the second time. We woke up to some drizzle, turning into sleet and then............beautiful little snowflakes. Apparently it has not snowed often in the last few decennia, so this must have made the locals happy! Because snow melts slowly, seeps into the crevices of the rocks and supplies the aquifers with water for the summer. We for now just enjoyed the beauty of a snowy landscape, classical Xmas card views and the air so fresh, the snow so virgin, because we are the ones to tread it first, silently, as if you enter into a fairy tale.............Boris and Lola loved the snow, no need for snowboots for them, they rolled and ran and ate and played like there is no end to having fun!
Fortunately we stocked up on wood to fire up the heater and be nice and comfortable in the house. We have a heater that goes either on wood or pellets and finally figured out that burning it with good wood is a lot more economical than pellets. Hey, it takes some time to adjust after 13 years in the Middle-East where heating was (mostly) not needed.
Fairytale type winter lasted only for a few days and autumn returned in full force. It was so foggy one day, we hardly couldn't see 50 mtrs in front of us. The dogs would get lost in the fog.......but that too only lasted a day or two.
On the last day of November I went for a nice mountain walk with my friend Kasia. We had been talking for a long time about going for walks in the mountains together, but being busy each in our own way until then we had not managed to actually go! Mario took us up the mountain to a good starting point and off we were. Both armed with our cameras and a lot of subjects to chat about. For a few hours we were just there, the two of us, with only sounds of nature, an ourselves. It was cold but nice. At the end of the day treated by a nice sunset, it left us with the desire to definitely do this more often. A special friendship, both foreigners that have chosen this place as their home and sharing the passion for photography. One of those relationships that just happen, right away, you know you want to share ...........
And then it was December already........
Gezellig weer om met je mee te lezen. Veel verschillende gezellige en mooie ervaringen gehad in 2017! Pic of the blog: het huis met de nachtlamp. Prachtig! Direct gevolgd door de strandfoto met een mens in het water als klein stipje :) .
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete