Jan's and Anda

Today we went to visit your dad's cousin Anda. They live in the penthouse of that big tall building in the middle.  It was an apartment that I've only seen the likes of on television.  The view was spectacular.  On one side you can see all the way to Germany.  The other side looks over a canal that allows big ships to come in.  It must be the port.  We had a lovely dinner with white asparagus.  It was absolutely delicious.  The space saving functions of that apartment were so ingenious.  The flooring was a smooth finish with no seams at all.  It was like a liquid that was poured on and allowed to hardened yet remained spongy.  It allowed for expansion and contraction and movement.  It was absolutely incredible as was the visit.  We had met them before when Tante Co brought them to our house.  It is so amazing meeting new relatives and re meeting ones we already knew.  Today we go to see the footprints of the Dekens forefathers with dads second cousin.  What I just cannot get over is the "smell" of Holland.  It hit me right when we got off the plane.  I guess it must be the ocean somehow.  It is not polution.  It is the exact smell I remember as a little girl.  

About the house that my dad grew up in, I am sure there was a huge addition added to it, yet the foundation remained.  We have also seen so many places that have been modernized.  What a treat for the eyes just to look around.  I really hope that today we can sit at a cafe and just people watch.  Dad was up early this morning to listen to the council meeting but they were having internet problems. Curt had to run down there and let them know that the system was not working.  Regardless the technology that he could be partly there and communicate with the rest of council is just overwhelming.  He could "take care of business" from the other side of the world.  How incredible.  Well darlings enjoy your day and we'll let you know more later.  

Notice in the one picture that the bridge is open to allow the boat to go through.