The Netherlands

If you're looking for an ideal

European trip and adventure,

you need to consider visiting the Netherlands.

It is just like you might have imagined it.

My trip began by meeting up with

7 wonderful women from Virginia.

They are all part of a quilting bee called

"Hearts and Hands".

I had met a few members of this group

last spring and when there was talk 

of a trip to the Netherlands.

I said count me in!

The trip was coordinated by

Doreen of Aunt Reen's Place

 

Please check out her blog if you

don't already follow it.

During our week stay

we discovered the beautiful Dutch countryside,

 with windmills,

 colorful tulip fields,

 

 and

wooden shoes.

 

A trip in the spring

would not be complete without a visit to the

famous Keukenhof Gardens

with it's displays of millions of beautiful tulips.

There are museums to explore 

filled with collections of Dutch Masters

The Night Watch

Rembrandt

at the Rijksmuseum

or 

the Van Gogh Museum

Or even remembering the story of

Ann Frank during the Nazi occupation.

For a change of pace

simply walk along the charming canals

discovering houseboats

and 

quiet places.

Amsterdam is an easy walking city.

You can stroll into Dam Square 

finding the King's Palace

or look for tiny narrow houses

on quiet cobblestone streets.

But wherever you walk 

beware of the bikes

 You'll find quite a few!

Of course, no trip is complete without

trying the local flavors.

 Erwtensoep

A thick pea and smoked sausage soup

Gouda Cheese

Bitterballen

Poffertjes

Tompouce

served on King's Day with

bright orange frosting

just to share a few yummy treats.

Our trip wasn't over yet.

We still had quilt things to do.

You'll have to wait for the next

post to see what we did.

Until Next Time-

Kyle