We spent 4 days with cousin Martin in his house at s’Gravendeel, Holland. Ewout was eager to get to work on the camper, he installed another small vent in the roof at the front and did some maintenance on various parts of the vehicle. We also spent some time doing a bit of cleaning and organizing, taking out some articles that we didn’t need and making sure that we had all the conveniences and comforts that make our home from home comfortable.
Astrid and Jenny also did some food shopping in the local village, getting food to have while at Martin’s as well as some supplies to start our travels with.. all the important stuff like beer, salted licorice, apple stroop (syrup), dutch rusks and cola light.
We had a chance to visit Dordrech on the Friday with cousin Ewoud, where we looked through the market where Astrid bought some material for her quilting, had coffee by the harbour and saw a lot of old steam boats.
Friday night we had a gathering of relatives which was a chance to catch up and also to say good bye as we took off on our adventure.
Saturday morning we set off after breakfast, driving on the busy motorways to Radio Kootwijk a rural area where another cousin Tonnie and her partner Renko live. It is a beautiful forested area with lot of wildlife and nature trails that people from all over Holland come to enjoy. While we were there we went for a little walk and just outside her gate we encountered a wild pig, which didn’t seem particularly concerned about us. We enjoyed a nice lunch with Tonnie and Renko and then had to say good bye as we had another cousin to meet.
We then met cousin Mike in Hengelo, near the German border at his flat. We were welcomed warmly and offered the usual coffee and cake. While we were here we had much discussion about the recent passing of his father and shown around the renovation for his new home.
Later we went to visit his Mother where there was more cake and coffee and more discussion about family matters which was good closure for the family considering the events of recent time. Later we went into town and had a most delicious dinner at the Italian restaurant. We then had our first night spent sleep all in the camper (motorhome) by the side of the road outside of Aunt Jeanette home.
Sunday
After a good nights sleep we said our goodbyes and headed back on the road to Germany. We had a good drive, being Sunday the roads are quieter and in Germany the trucks are not driving on that day unless being fresh produce.
We arrive in Oelde about 11.00 a.m. to be greeted by Dagmar, Leo and Lutz, we had a short time with them as they had to go to Dagmar’s mothers birthday, but we then went across the road to Michael and Tania’s home for our lunch. We had a very convivial time with them catching up and enjoy the most delicious cheese soup. Later Manfred turned up and we solved all the problems of the world. (ha ha)
We were plied with lots alcohol and food which and later we moved back to Leo and Dagmar’s where lots of laughs were had and more food later when the boys cooked a barbeque with the delicious German sausages and potato bake.
We then watched a DVD of the boys trip to the Spanish motorbike GP and after had to say good bye to the Michael and Leo as they would be leaving early in the morning to go to work. In the morning we had breakfast with Dagmar and Tania before leaving for the next leg of our trip.
Monday
Our next destination was Berlin but as it was too far to do in one day we found a camperstop (free overnight park for motorhomes) in a small town called Gifhorne. It was a pleasant spot next to the local swimming complex and playground. It rained all night but we snug and warm in our camper and had a good nights rest.
