The Purple Penguin

Dutch keyboard! Nothing is in the right place! That´s my excuse for any typos.

We pulled in to park at the wedding party and met up with another group parking. They said “so you´re from Belgium!” We said from the UK and they said “so you went to Belgium and drove from there?” So Joe asked why and they pointed out we´re driving a car from Belgium. Interesting. So the Dutch probably now think drivers from Belgium are slow and awful.

The party was great fun with people from at least 9 countries (that´s how many we counted after a few drinks) from all over Europe and as far away as Canada and Australia. There was a band which was great fun (lots of swing) and fabulous food. We were in a huge marqué tent in the middle of the countryside and the weather was beautiful though quite cold. It reminded me of Lost Vagueness at Glastonbury – elegance in a field and people dressed in everything from jeans and wellies to ballgowns and high heels. Very lovely.

After a good night´s sleep we had a leisurely start to the day. Had breakfast then a short walk around Staphorst before getting in the car and heading out. We drove scenic routes – all along a canel to start on a little tiny road. Then off into the forest. Stopped at a pancake house and had far too much to eat (it was lovely). Arrived at Efteling around 4ish and checked into the hotel. As we drove up Joe just laughed – the hotel is a fantasy castle!

We can see the park from our window so I spent some of the afternoon watching the pagoda go up and down. Had a lovely dinner and are now just waiting to get into the park and play!