The Purple Penguin

Had a very nice evening in Amsterdam. Met up at the art bar where Joe and I went for a drink and he uploaded some photos (it’s the panoramio site). Had another drink then off for an Indonesian meal. Got a selection and had loads of wonderful food and conversation.

Up late this morning (we are on holiday!) and breakfast at the hotel before a slow stroll to the station, going through the flower market where hordes of tourists take photos. Train to the airport to get the car and for the first time I’m driving in a country where I can’t read the signs! So we took the easy way to Staphorst via the motorways and it was much easier than I expected. Found the hotel with no problems at all. Neat little motorway motel and finding the reception was harder than finding the place!

Once settled in and eaten lunch we headed back out to find out where we should be this evening. That’s when Dutch roads became very interesting – only just two cars’ width wide and bikes having right of way – a few cyclists take this to mean they can just shoot out into the road without even looking, swerve around the road without looking, and make turns without indicating or even looking! Most however value their lives and at least look!

It was easy to find the location as there are wooden signs with ‘Party!’ painted on pointing the way. So once we’d figured that out we went for a drive in the area. This part of the Netherlands is very lovely, with sailing lakes and wildlife. Except Joe decided we didn’t need the binoculars. But we did get some lovely photos and had a nice drive.

Now to get ready for the party!