The Swart's - Leo, his wife Simone, and son's Temo, Daan & Geijs - are great people. They had me into their home for dinner last night and it couldn't have been better. They live right outside of a big town called Den Bosch in Empele. They built their house 10 years ago so it is a little rarer to be so new. There is an old gothic style Catholic church from 1220 in the town which is beautiful too called St. Jan's. It certainly rivals those we saw in Italy an France. Their family is coming to the United States for Holiday next summer and I have invited them to stay with us for a night. The kids have been researching Cedar Point for months and can't wait to go!
Art left a day earlier so we were able to have the last day going to separate greenhouses and garden centers. I took a lot of pictures of different packages I believe can do well in the US also. Additionally, I am always blown away that every single house in Holland has a ton of plants and many of them in the front windows as you drive down the street.
Another cool thing is the bike riding. Everybody, and I mean everybody, rides bikes for transportation and not sport. I have never seen so many bikes. Leo said that only China rides as much. Not a surprise, everyone in the country is thin! I didn't see a fat person for three days until I came back to the airport this morning to get on the plane to America! We should take this example - last night Temo was going to James Bond following dinner. They all hopped on their bikes and rode the 8 km (yes 5 miles). It was normal any time of the year in any weather.
I have to go - I will see you all tonight!
I cannot wait to see you!!!
ReplyDeleteYou should start riding your bike to work, Father. That'll certainly get you into optimal shape. I mean, to get there at 7:00 you'll only have to leave home at around 4:00 or 5:00...
ReplyDelete