Oud Boxmeer, Gay Paree and everything in between

It’s been a bit of a crazy week.

It started with a family get together. It was really good meeting up with people who I haven’t seen in 27 years, and also some new faces. Thanks to Andrea’s organisational skills, we all met for drinks and then dinner.

While Piet and Ria were a generous with their time as our first meeting, it was also good to spend some time with my father’s surviving siblings. A particularly emotional reuniting was with my Aunty Nolly. Her and my uncle were so kind to me when I came to Holland the first time. And subsequently many times when they visited Australia. Talking through my trip with her was fun, but it was a very sad farewell. We both cried a bit. I still feel like crying when I think about it now.

While it rained pretty much every day in Boxmeer (as it has done everywhere in Holland for 27 or so days), I did get to walk around a lot. Particular note to the stunning simplicity of the town. Andrea took me to see the house my father grew up in… it is still the same as the picture I have on my wall at home. I also got to visit my mother’s house (not the same) and the church they got married in (very much the same).

My first Christmas without mum (or my friend Rockit) was a bit eerie (not sure if that is the correct word). A fantastic old-school fondue at Piet and Rias (oil based). The last time I actually had that was my last night in Holland all those years ago, with Noud and Nolly. Sherwin has been sent instructions to purchase a fondue set immediately. Christmas day I went back to Utrecht and had an xmas brunch with Mirjam and the family – The Boxmeer family came at the dark, wet hour of 8am to see me off on the train. My uncle said it was to make sure I left. No change to the family humour.

Christmas night I was treated to a nice Indonesian curry from my friend there. I also got my own beanie for an Christmas present. Useful, considering it will be -2 here tomorrow. Boxing day with Mirjams birthday. I think I did well in giving her a large bottle of Baileys. I believe it is all gone now 😊

I spent two very quick nights in Rotterdam. I think my capacity to walk endlessly has come to a brief standstill. I spent two days in a hotel. Venturing out for some basic shopping, and only eating at the same place for lunch and dinner (a Mexican place called Coconuts). My last day in Holland was the only day to have sunshine all day. And I missed it.

I took the train to Paris. My god, that thing goes freaking fast sometimes. Never experienced travel at that speed on the ground before. My hotel, while better than the one in Amsterdam, is a little… outdated. More concerned about the lack of fire detectors than anything else. I also landed in the more dodgy side of town. BUT… that means lots of walking for the next week, and I am next to the station. The front counter staff are nice (even though I do have to hand back my key whenever I leave the building). I got myself a small upgrade. I have the only room with a balcony. Plus side; I can see lots going on below. Downside; I can hear lots going on below. Rail strike, riot police… good times. As I just wrote that last line, I heard a noise. Two officers tackling a young dude and cuffing him. Got the photo.

For those playing along at home, my walking distance since my last post is 88kms. Getting slack. However, down two jeans sizes and one belt notch.

Cheers,

JC

P.S. Oud is dutch for "old". Not a typo.