Relatively straightforward
Wednesday, December 28th, 200528 Nov – 6 Dec, 2005
In to Holland, and around to the relatives. You know what they say, about able to choose your friends, but not your relatives. Well, I wouldn’t choose any differently. The really amazing thing about my uncles and aunts and cousins, they always treat us like we have been in close contact. They make us feel at home, and fit in with us and our running around. They treat us like we see them every other weekend, even though it has been six years since we saw most of them (and longer for some).
Summary (this is more “for the record”, and to acknowledge them all, too, and for those who are related to us to know who we saw – We don’t really expect our friends to read this and start making a mental family tree, or anything):
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Best (no not a rating, a town in Holland) – Stayed with Wim and Riet (Wim is Mum’s brother), and caught up with my cousin, Marc.
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Mierlo – Went with Joke (Mum’s sister) to visit her husband, Johan, who is unwell at the moment. Dinner with cousin, Marianne, and her partner, Rene, and then spent the night with Joke.
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Best again – Mini family gathering, at Wim and Riet’s. Joke came. Marc was there. Rianne (another cousin) came with her daughter, Lotte, the latest addition to the extensive family. And dear uncle Oeds.
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Utrecht – Stayed with Rianne (and Lotte). Forest walk.
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Borssele – A day trip (courtesy of Rianne’s car) to visit an aunt, Corrie. Dad’s sister, this time. This visit was conducted primarily in Dutch.
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Amsterdam – Stayed with Jan (Mum’s brother) and Nora. Met Jody, their newest dog. Visit one evening by cousin, Vera.
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Rotterdam – A day with Oeds. Drizzly and dreary, but still just good enough to enjoy drinks at the top of the Euro Mast tower. A catch up, and a dinner at one of his regular haunts.
Richard and Jo