Tuesday, September 3

Today was mundane except for the dinner. We spent the day cleaning, washing, packing, and a little shopping. We have invited Liesbeth and Peter and the kids, Ducko and Noor, for dinner. So, we pick up a few things to make that happen. We stop for an espresso and some chocolate at Jon Mets and say goodbye.

The doorbell rings at 6:00 and its not them but a woman and her daughter collecting for cancer. When she asked us where we were from and we said Bradenton, she said "isn't that where the outlet stores are?". We all laugh and she is embarrassed because it seems so superficial. We think its interesting that so many people over here know so much about our area.

Noor is standing behind the cancer lady with a gift. We welcome her in and she is followed in a minute by the rest of the family. Duko also is carrying a gift. Hers is a coffee cup with Dutch scenes on it and his is chocolate from Jon Mets. Both excellent. The kids sit right down and start devouring the nachos that just came out of the oven. We thought they might like them and we were right. Duko is learning English and practiced a little. Linda went upstairs and found a full-size football for Duko to try to learn to throw. Later, after we ate, he and  Peter and I threw it around in the street in front of the  house. Duko is 10 and a future athlete. He was throwing spirals within about 4 tries. Very impressive.

We had wine outside while the kids watched TV and then went inside to eat dinner. They ate almost everything and Linda gave a little chili to Liesbeth to clear out the kitchen. 

After the boys finished throwing the ball around, Linda and Duko planned getting together on Skype. Mom and Dad don't know how to do that, so he's on his own. After they left, Duko returned because Linda was not answering because she wasn't in the room with the computer, so they worked it out and plan to stay in touch.

We always have a good time visiting with Liesbeth and Peter and this was no exception. This was a good way to end our visit.

Tomorrow morning, Hans and Jose will drive us to the train station in Baarn where we will catch the train to Schiphol Airport. In London, we will meet up with David and Johnny for dinner and a free bed. Then, the next day we're back to Gatwick Airport for our flight to Tampa and picked up by Kees and Joke.

So ends a lovely trip.