Walk in the country

Last Sunday the weather was unbelievably warm and beautiful, so I persuaded my folks to skip the back yard and go for a walk in the countryside. 

We settled on a walk around castle Waardenburg. Castle Waardenburg (also known as Weerdenburg) is located in Neerijnen, Gelderland. The tower from the castle dates back to 1265 and with time extensions were made to the building,
creating what you see today.

One of the most intriguing parts of the castle is the so-called "Faust room", named after the German Doctor Faust. It is said that he made a deal with the Devil for knowledge or the Philosopher's stone, which of course backfired and he was dragged to hell...

The castle is right on the other side of the dike, on which you have a beautiful view of the landscape.

Close to Castle Waardenberg is another beautiful estate: House Neerijnen (or estate, depending on the source). The first foundations of the house we laid in 1350, however the house as it is today dates from circa 1600. It was bought by the town Neerijnen and is now used as the city hall and open to the public on set occasions. 

Across the bridge you can go for a stroll in the castle gardens, which are open almost every weekend (entrance is free). It has a hundred year old Victorian glass house and a vegetable-, herb-, flower and rose garden. 

In one word: a nice walk through the country with stunning views of nature 

and some old historic estates!

Mothers day

I know what you must be thinking: "She's a bit late with that! Mothers day was  two weeks ago!"

But there is a good reason,  because yesterday I was finally able to give my mum her Mothers day present: a trip to the Libelle summer week!

For those of you who are not familiar with it, Libelle is a woman's magazine that focuses on fashion, home interior, food, family and travel. A little bit of everything. Every year in May they organize a themed event for all the readers to enjoy the atmosphere of the magazine in person, with shopping, fashion shows, food, music and of course meet-and-greets with some of the columnists.

This years theme was 'Fiesta del sol' and so the whole event was given a Spanish hint with music and Flamenco dancers.

Some very retro tosties (or grilled ham and cheese sandwich to the rest of the world)

And cheese of course!

 

Flamenco dancers!

Watch what it's like here, or below (it's in Dutch unfortunately!)

  

Boats and royalty

Today is going to be a double post!

First, let me tell you about the National Tugboat days in Vianen. Actually, the name says it all really. To celebrate the old Dutch tradition of tugboats, which are used to bring large container ships into the harbor, a national festival is organised each year. This attracts tugboats from all over the country (even some from abroad!) and is accompanied by lots of food, and of course kermis!

 

Boys and their toys ;)

I almost forgot to tell you about this amazing Tea house! Do you see that little tower over there, on the old city wall? It fits exactly three tables (and an outside garden when the weather is good), but serves the best tea and cake ever! It's the little hidden gem of Vianen.

"Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.

We pillage plunder, we rifle and loot.
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho.
We kidnap and ravage and don't give a hoot.
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho!"

*Ahum* Nevermind that...

The second thing I want to show you is the Summer fair at Palace Soestdijk. Something completely different, but just as nice to stroll around and enjoy on weekend day (although the weather was also a lot nicer this time around!). If you like shopping, food, wine and enjoying the royal gardens you've come to the right adres here! Royal, you say? Well yes, Palace Soestdijk was given to King Willem II by the people for his heroic defeat of the French, although it was originally built in 1650 by the mayor of Amsterdam. The Palace has long been inhabited by the Dutch royals, but since they choose to have their permanent residence elsewhere, Palace Soestdijk is open to the public and many events are organised there. 

 

Its also a nice way to find new brands and new designers. If you like unique jewelry or clothing, check out QueBella and Leintje.

Until August 31 you can also see an exhibition of some of the amazing winners and runners up of the International Garden Photographer of the Year, in collaboration with KEW Royal Botanic Gardens and the BBC. The photos are absolutely stunning!

 This years theme was Images of a Green Planet.

Dinner and kermis

They say the best way to get to know someone is over dinner and drinks!

So to do some bonding and prove that we are more than just our jobs, some of the PhD students from my lab went out to dinner last Friday. Since it was arranged by two guys from Iran, we decided to go to a Persian restaurant called Villa Persia. The food was really good and it was a nice opportunity to get to know people better. And of course to hear some gossip and dirt on the lab and our bosses... ;)

Completely unrelated to the subject, I would like to share with you the ancient Dutch tradition of "kermis" or funfair in English. As a child, I would be excited for weeks when I knew the kermis was coming to town. Together with my parents (and later my friends when I got older) I would go out and waste my allowance on candy and silly games, like pulling strings and trying to catch a fluffy toy in one of those grabber machines. My dad would usually get so focused on the game, that after wasting my allowance and not winning anything, he would start wasting his own money to try and catch me a toy. So sweet! But I loved the rides the most, even though the didn't nearly go as high as the ones I say today on the Kermis in Groningen!

Hope you have a fun weekend!

P.S. Oh, and I know this is completely unrelated too, but you have to watch this! So cute!

Freedom

Today is the day to celebrate freedom, and not just because I have the day off ;)

Today, May 5 2015, it is exactly 70 years since the Netherlands was liberated and the second World War ended. Yesterday we remembered the lives that were lost and today we celebrate our freedom. Which means festivals and parties all throughout the country. But we also pay our respects and take a moment to realize that there are still many people and countries who still live oppressed and can not live in freedom. 

It really is a day to remember how lucky we are.

Happy liberation day!

Liberation of Utrecht by the Canadians

A Dutch girl expressing her gratitude to a American or British soldier

A jeeb driving past the 'Nieuwe Kerk'-church to Dam square, Amsterdam