As I have written many times before, the highlight of every trip to Europe has been our family connections -- no not Tognazzini (there are no related Tognazzini's remaining in Europe) but rather relatives connected through my paternal Grandmother whose maiden name is Giorgi and whose origins are traced to the small Switzerland village of Gordevio. I've written about the connections before and how the tree branched to tie me to Dutch cousins (a brother who was born/raised in Holland but now resides with his family in Switzerland, and his two sisters who reside with their families in Holland).
These third cousins -- all in our generation/age group -- have become not just family, but wonderfully great friends. I've previously blogged about our first meeting/help from brother Rein in 2005 and our first visits in Holland in 2009 (here). So this entire trip was yet another opportunity to connect with Rein/his family and our second opportunity to visit/stay with the sisters/their families in Holland.
We had arranged two nights at each of the two sisters houses -- both living not far from Rotterdam. So our destination upon leaving Antwerp on April 14 was Rotterdam Central where we met up with Els/Eef -- staying two nights at their home in Hoogvliet and getting to see/visit all three of their children (born the same years as our own) and their one-year old grandson. Thereafter, on April 16 they drove us to Joke/Wietse's home in Maasdam where we stayed two nights and had opportunities to visit with both their sons, meeting one of them for the first time.
Once again there are no words adequate to describe these wonderful visits/stays -- and the feelings of being among long-time friends, not just family, both with the couples and their children (just the same as we feel with Rein/Elly and their children/grandchildren in Switzerland). With each couple we enjoyed learning more about Dutch culture, food, politics, attitudes, work practices, healthcare, holidays, house construction, home purchasing, etc. etc. Just everything! And, let me not gloss over "food." Not only did we discuss it lots, we got to enjoy wonderfully home-fixed meals as well as Dutch snacks, farmer's-type (including some great fried fish and tasty Dutch cheese) and organic markets including some vegetables we have never seen in the US. In summary, it was 5 days/4 nights of conversational and cullinary delight with some sightseeing interludes including (1) a visit to the worksite of Maasvlakte 2 - the massive operation to create land to expand Europe's busiest shipping port from dredged sand -- something the Dutch are experts at (1/5th of the country was created from such land reclamation); and (2) the year's biggest flower parade (Bollensereek Flower Parade) with lavishly decorated floats.
I could write more -- but photos will have to supplement. Our time with cousins in Holland was superb but on April 18 it became time to move onto Amsterdam and get ready for our return to the USA. Wietse saw us off at the Dordrecht train station.
Sadly, we know that some cousins may never get to visit us in the USA because of the fear of flying -- but we remain hopeful that Joke/Weitse will make the trip as soon as Wietse's health permits -- and that someday we might get to welcome all their children to the USA. It is certainly on our bucket list to dream about the day when all their children/grandchildren and our children/grandchildren can enjoy the close family ties we've enjoyed. In addition, Deb and I will continue to be watching for opportunities to visit Holland again.
I should also mention that Deb and I overpacked our bags with 8 large boxes of Hagelslag -- so we can let our kids/grandkids enjoy at least one of Holland's cullinary treats of the many we enjoyed.
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