We checked-out of the B&B and checked-in with brother Eef and his wife Marlies.We slept in Han’s childhood bedroom. How cool is that?
I slept on a single bed, while Han insisted he take the single floor mattress. It was kinda of like camping out.
Every morning we were woken up by their roosters but the rooster also crowed throughout the day. They were confused birds.
We continued down memory lane through Heerlen with Han sharing his schools, parks, friends homes, doctors, soccer areas and more. I don’t know how he remembered it all. Heck, even Han’s first wife still lives two homes away from the family home. The family has not seen her since the divorce of 36 years ago.
I thoroughly loved riding around and Han finally able to share his homeland with me. Has made me appreciate him all the more.
We went to Snow World which is quite interesting and would be a wonderful vacation area for families who enjoy skiing and snowboarding. They have many more activities to offer.
We drove to the highest point in The Netherlands called Vaalserberg. It is also the location called “Three-Country Point” because you can stand almost simultaneously in The Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. Unfortunately it was a foggy day, so seeing far into the distance was not possible. Note: there are feral cats everywhere, we counted at least 8 to 10.
Han said the area is much busier once summer time hits. There is a great park to explore, eateries, viewing towers and playgrounds.
We took a day to explore Maastricht, which I adored. Han not so much because it has changed so drastically and is quite difficult to find parking and get to the center of town, since all the roads leading in are now for bikes and pedestrians. I did not know the difference, so it mattered none to me.
As we were walking into town we passed Han’s niece and two children. It was delightfully random and surprising. She and I only knew each other from Facebook. We visited some over lunch and I got to know her a bit better. It really was a lovely meal and her two boys are adorable. She definitely helped with navigating the outer area of Maastricht.
We parted ways after lunch and we began our enjoyable stroll through the inner city.
I was happiest that I found a vintage clothing store and bought a few items. I have found that I like vintage clothing and have now decided to purchase at least one item in the cities we visit. Yes, I will be having to do a small shipment back to the states before flying back.
This time close by, we visited Han’s parents grave again and took flowers for his mom’s birthday on June 4th. She would have been 95. They were a large pot of daisies which are my favorite flower and come to find out was also one of hers. We wanted something that would last a bit longer.
Staying with Eef and Marlies has been fun and interesting to hear them speak of childhood years. They are both lovely caring people. I enjoy teasing Eef and he is good spirited about it. His looks most remind me of Thom, the youngest of the five boys and the only one I had met before this trip. We were very close and I loved him dearly. He passed a bit ago, however I find myself getting misty-eyed and sometimes actually crying when we begin reminiscing about him.
Wim and his wife Marlies (yes, the two brothers married women called Marlies) arrived from Norway and the six of us went just across the German border to eat at the Landhaus Wurmtal Cafe & Restaurant boasting the largest schnitzel in Germany in the town of Herzogenrath. It is the first village across the border from Holland.
I don’t know if the “largest” is true, but the schnitzels were hanging over the sides of the very large plates. I can tell you though, that it was very good and well worth the drive. I will say it was interesting to be the only American in the whole place. It really gives you perspective and makes the world a larger place in your mind.
I witnessed Han eating a herring covered in onions, Dutch style. One word from me. YUCK! He was in delicacy heaven though. This was while we took a rainy walk through Heerlen during a carnival. No rides for us, just sight seeing.
Purchased some Kinder Eggs which are egg shaped hollow chocolate with a smaller plastic capsule inside and a toy to assemble. They are the cutest little things, but are not allowed to be imported into the states and if you are found to be in possession of them, it is a $1200.00 fine for each egg. I am a kid at heart, so will just enjoy them while I am here.
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