We've just returned from our summer holiday in The Netherlands, full to the brim with sunshine, insect bites and photos. We drove to Newcastle and took an overnight DFDS ferry to Ijmuiden, just outside Amsterdam. From there is was a short drive to Voorschoten, a sort of suburb of Leiden, university town and birthplace of both Rembrandt van Rijn and the Leyden Jar, if you like that sort of thing. The kids were great on the ferry, and took to sleeping in the bunk beds (eventually) with only two tumbles by Louis. First job on arrival was to hook up the bike trailer and explore the area, and we headed straight to Vlietland, a man-made lake for swimming, boating and picnicking. The kids took to it straight away, and much splashy fun was had in the shallow, safe waters. The next day, we went straight back to Vlietland, where the water had turned green. We thought nothing of it, and in the afternoon headed out to find the goat farm our hosts had recommended. We didn't find it, but returned in good spirits for a spot of evening trampolining. Next day, and having consulted Google, we found the goat farm but were dismayed to note they didn't like packed lunches. Undeterred, we hired a rowing boat and lunched on the canals before returning to feed the goats, pet the rabbits and - in Holly's case - ride the horse. She loved it, and really looked the part. It was a scorching hot day, so we returned to Vlietland to cool down. Louis fell asleep in the trailer, but was soon up and splashing with Holly, whose confidence in the water has come on in leaps and bounds. There's video of that too, to follow later. Back home, Louis clambered onto Holly's bike with a happy but determined look in his eye. That's it for Chapter I, and we're only three days in! Watch this space...
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