The Netherlands

Well, we finally made it. We are here at our second cousin's house in Zeist, which is very close to Utrecht. The flight was hell - we were delayed three hours and then waited for almost 2 more at the airport in Edmonton. But we got here in one piece and our bags made it with us (after only a small problem finding them in the huge Amsterdam airport).

We've only been here 3 nights, but Canada seems like it is worlds away. We are adapting quite well to things here - at first it was tough to get used to asking people to speak Englsih, but much to our delight, all but one person so far as been able to communicate with us in English. Still, things are different. Here is a list:

1. Dutch
2. streets are all made of brick and stone
3. stairs in houses are very narrow and very steep and very scarey
4. bike riding... ok, now when Greg and I were asked if we could ride bikes we natually answered OH YA. What we didn't realize is how diferent the bikes are here. First of all, you need a key to allow the bike to work - kind of like a car. Greg and I had a BIG problem trying to figure this out. There are special bike paths here but we didn't know that and proceeded to piss off many drivers while we were in their way on the road. Signaling is different too. And a driving circle is hard enough in a car, nevermind on a bike. Greg and I have had countless wobbles, spills, and near-crashes. I bit the dust hard today. These Dutch people ride bikes everywhere. My last name may be Middelkoop, but I certainly do not have a Dutch ass.
5. dry bread for every meal
6. no shower doors
7. pissing in the street
8. liberalism (if you know what I mean)

Our great aunt Rita has been awesome. She as told us many stories, showed us many pictures, and taken us on some incredible family oriented outings. Here are some family members of the past:

The most exciting thing so far, is probably finding something that my dad has been missing for a long time. It turns out dad, that you were only born in Utrecht. You lived in Zeist for the first part of your life. How do we know this? Well, a few reasons. First, Rita showed us all the houses of your parents and Grandparents. Second, it turns out that St. Joseph's church in Zeist knows about you. Check out this picture:

So we've done some family stuff, ate some new food, drank some new beer, learned a Dutch word or two, and are having a great time. Here is a view from our room:

One more thing, check this out. We went to the National Museum from Musical Clock to Street Organ in Utrecht and it was so cool. I have never seen such cool instruments in my life. Player pianos all over the place, but also organs, complete bands, and violins that played by themselves too!!! Check out the website!!