Smith's Away

I know I missed a few days but took it easy in Perth with my good friend from Darwin days, Andrea and her husband Chris. Always great to catch up with them. Our boys grew up together so we all go back a long way. Saturday morning Tim and Celine came and picked me up and then no wifi as Tim was only just back after a course in Brisbane and prior to that 7 months overseas. While he tidied up and made my bed, Celine and I chatted about Italy where they had been last year. I took them out for lunch and a breather and later Celine cooked dinner. Next morning they cooked me breaky so very spoilt. Celine then had to go to work so Tim and I did some shopping, then he prepared a lovely lunch. We chatted, ate and watched Chicago Fire. We binged for awhile and had a late dinner. Always lovely to spend time with my boys, so I was happy. Up this morning and my final pack. Tim took me to the airport, and good flight home. Bus, train and Rutts waiting for me at Boronia, so now home with the heater on

Up bright and early for flight to Amsterdam and KLM girl was able to book my case right through to Perth and no hidden costs this time. So into London, bus to terminal 3, check in and into Qantas club, ahhhh. Then onto flight. 17 hours of fun, not. No spare seat this time and beside 2 people with colds, yuk. Yep a long flight and finally into Perth. Slept a little. Andrea picked me up and will stay with her and her family till I,m picked up by Tim on Saturday. Feeling very weary now, but glad to be on home soil with my case. A wonderful trip and tons of great memories.

We met Hans sister at the train station and headed to Hoorn for a family birthday. Hiss, Hans brother in law was having a party so 6 of Hans family met. 3 girls and 3 boys plus spouses. One brother is still working so couldnt come. Not surprisingly they were a delightful lot and food just kept coming all day. Cake and coffee/tea to start, then nibbles, more nibbles, drinks of course, deep fried cheeses and meats, then chinese from a local take away, ice cream and coffee and tea again. I rolled home. Many of them spoke English and of course Hans always made sure to keep me informed of the conversation. They were delightful and the house and garden was beautiful. Friends and family dropped in and everyone was so welcoming. Back home on the train and a last look at the dutch countryside. Flat with lots of farming, cows and sheep and the lake in the distance kept out by the dykes. Home again and packing ready for my flights tomorrow. Amsterdam to London, then Qantas to Perth.

A sleep in this morning followed by breaky and then eventually headed into Amsterdam again to visit Alidon, Giulia and little Alice. Very good at getting around. Bus, train and tram. Got off from the tram in Amsterdam to visit a souvenir shop. Bought a few things and then headed back to Giulia. I had a cuppa with them at  their lovely airb&b while we waited for Aluce to wake up and then headed to a market. The souvenirs I had bought were half the price there but I couldnt use my Amex!!! Sun was out and we had a lovely time browsing. Stopped for some lunch and I just had yogurt as still full of bread from breaky. Back to theur airb&b and then I headed back to the tram and train. I had a lovely time with Alice, she is such a delight and so easy to amuse. They head home tomorrow so she will have grown by the time I see her again towards the end of the year in Darwin. Hans had seen Nick off to the airport and he and I went to a restsurant for pizza. Tomorrow we go to Hoorn for a

Up early for breaky with Chris and Evelin. Hans had lots of bread, cheese and pate, cuppa tea, peanut butter and sprinkles for the US ones. Then with their luggage we planned a walk around Utrecht so I decided to take their luggage to the station and wait for them there. My knee doesnt like the walking and I sliw them down so this was much better. So met again at the station and said goodbye to Evelin and Chris. I then headed into Amsterdam by train to meet Alison, Giulia and Alice who had just got off their cruise. After not quite meeting in the same place we met, took a tram to a restaurant and had some lunch and a chat then went back to their airb&b for a cuppa. Lovely place and we were able to chat and share pics while Alice played happily. She remembers me and I got lots of kisses. I travelled back to Hans house with no problems and took him and Nick out for dinner. Lovely place nearby and we sat outside to eat. Lovely. Home for dessert of cake and more whipped cream. I,ll rol

I said a very sad farewell to Melba the barge this morning as Deb and Mark drove me to Leeuwarden to catch the train to Utrecht. It had rained all night and was quite cold but very comfy on the train. One and a half hours later I arrived in Utrecht and met Hans and the son of a friend, Nick who had been on exchange in Spain for a year. We waited at the station until Evelin and Chris arrived from Cologne then got on the bus back to Hans place. Hans had to go to a meeting so Chris, Evelin and I walked to their hotel and back again through the lovely streets of Utrecht. Hans arrived home, settled us all with drinks and nibbles and proceeded to cook a beautiful dinner of white asparagus, ham and cheese, potatoes and salad. Delicious. Followed by his homegrown strawberries and he specially whipped cream for me!!! We chatted all night. They really are the nicest people. Hans insists on cleaning up so I have retired to bed while he and Nick chat. Its nearly midnight so am a tad weary. Another

Up after a bit of a sleep in. After breaky, Deb and Mark went for a walk while I caught up with a few phone calls. Lovely to chat to home. Then off we took. Beautiful exit and a leisurely sail down to Harligan to the ship yard. Well I think they pulled all stops out to challenge Mark on his solo drive with no Els. We had to reverse into a small opening with boats going up and down and having to wait while they moved boats near our mooring. Unreal. But Mark did it. Very impressive. Meanwhile Deb and I fluffed around with fenders and ropes. Moored and settled. After a big breather Deb and I went for a bike ride. We went out to see the North sea way over past the Wadden sea. Tide was out and the sheep were on the banks. Very misty and cool but lovely rides. A hot choco and then back to drop off the bikes, get into their rental car and head back out for dinner. Another lovely evening. Bit sad leaving them tomorrow as I head back by train to Utrecht.