Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Old friends

While I was in the States, I visited with my dear friend Kelly (from high school) and her husband, three gorgeous children (and her daughter's boyfriend), and lovable labrador mix, Tucker. We did a lot of reminiscing, and really enjoyed time with the kids, jumping on the pogo stick, hula hooping, and even some karoake!

Check out these beautiful kids (Kelly's oldest daughter is now 18 - so hard to believe!)

Thanksgiving

Well, I was fortunate enough this year to be home in Massachusetts for Thanksgiving (albeit sans Alex) for a traditional holiday with family :)


Sunday, December 12, 2010

A weekend in Stafford




In late October, we headed to Stafford, England to spend a weekend at a Landmark Trust building to celebrate Alex's 40th this year with his very close mates Trevor and Mick, and their wives, Jo and Sarah.


It was a fabulous weekend in a very cool location (on a farm where pheasant hunters wander about with their guns, flat caps, pipes and tweed jackets - really!) where we had a weekend that included a black-tie evening and a relaxing walk through the country side.
Unquestionably, the highlight of the weekend was evidence of the mid-life-crisis that is 40...Mick drove his BMX cycle across the front lawn of the estate...not realizing that about 1/3 of the way down was a wall built into the landscape, about 5 feet high (originally for the purpose of keeping livestock from wandering off, intentionally 'invisible' so as not to interrupt the landscape), that he couldn't see until he was flying face first into the ground. Fortunately and perhaps miraculously, Mick wasn't injured (which was a good thing because it would have taken Alex and Mick quite a while to stop laughing long enough to take him to hospital!)
Here are a couple of films from our weekend at Ingestre Pavillion:






Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Lanzarote continued








I'm still trying to catch up on photos - so a quick entry to complete our trip to the Canaries, a week after which we spent a long weekend with friends in a Landmark Trust house in Stafford, England.

But to continue from the last entry...We explored Lanzarote with friends Janelle and Rory (who live in Switzerland) who joined us mid-week for our remaining days in Playa Blanca. It is interesting to me how beautiful something as devastating as volcanoes and lava can be. The scenery was just spectacular.





It is no wonder that Planet of the Apes was filmed in this area (not on Lanzarote, but a nearby volcanic island very much like Lanzarote). At times it is eerie and spooky and yet it is so beautiful at the same time.




We went to the national volcano park, explored the coastline, and took a camel ride! We enjoyed delicious meals and friendly locals in Playa Blanca in the evenings. We visited the home of artist Cesar Manrique, went to the Cuevos los Verdes which holds a secret I cannot tell - but it is worth the trip!

We enjoyed several seaside breaks for lunch and a beer or two and drove all around the island just enjoying the breathtaking views.

And we managed to get in two nights of karaoke until the wee hours of the morning (we left Lanzarote with a touch of hangover :) Janelle and Rory were great company and we thoroughly enjoyed this unique holiday with them.


Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Lanzarote - part one










This month Alex and I had a getaway to volcanic Lanzarote (formed about 35 million years ago), the easternmost of the Canary Islands (about 80 miles off the west coast of northern Africa). Lanzarote is a Spanish speaking island is particularly popular with both British and German tourists.
We spent the first couple of days relaxing and poking around Playa Blanca where we stayed (on the southern tip of the island). We found a place to buy our groceries, checked out the local restaurants and, of course, the pubs and night life.
Here is a film of our first couple of days which include an afternoon at the Laguna De Janubio (next to the salt pans which produce about 10,000 tons of salt per year) and El Golfo, both of which offer simply amazing views and crashing surf. Also included are views from a quick drive around the southern part of the island which looks almost lunar (1/3 of the island was devastated by volcanic eruptions which began in 1730 and continued for six years). It has only been in about the last 30 years that

The next blog entry will provide some more information on this beautiful island, its history, and a film of a couple of days of tourist activities and fun with friends who joined us mid-week.

A Day in Marlow

In mid-September Alex and I headed to the UK for a short weekend - I with my 'peeps' from FAWCO region one, and him for footie. My Saturday included a photo workshop which ended with a boat ride along the Thames. Enjoy!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Missing Andy

Ok, this entry has nothing to do with Holland or, in fact, my life at all. But I wanted to share something cool with you.

And Missing Andy is not a complete description of this entry, but I'd hoped the title might make you curious.

Missing Andy, a UK band, performed in (yes, yet another) a tv talent show called "Must Be the Music" (one of the judges is Dizzy Rascal - very fun to watch). This competition is a bit different than others I've seen as nearly all of the competitors write, compose and perform their original work.

Anyway, I was instantly inspired by this song/anthem in particular, and thought it might win, if only because so many of those watching would strongly identify with it (although I admit that Emma's Imigination, the winner, certainly deserved to win). Missing Andy deserved to win - they all did - but there would only be one. I chose to show you the video of the song rather than the actual story as it paints quite a picture (and perhaps helps you interpret/translate from "the Queen's English" sung with the London affect to "American Engish")

Anyway, this song, "Made in England," geared to the average UK working man, also has a message that rings true for many Americans as well, since both our cultures and economies have experienced similar challenges, resulting in a similar feeling for many citizens of both countries. In case you can't understand the lyrics, the chorus is:

I'm made in England
I call it my kingdom
She may let me down
She would never take a bow for me

Sold down the river
You scream till they hear ya
And I'm still standing proud
Even as every town has fallen down to it's knees


They didn't win the competion, but I imagine this exposure will take them places (as is true with all of these contestants.)

There were several artists that were just so amazing, including Kyan, Hero, The Pictures, and Pepper and Piano. Such amazing talent. All of these artists have written and performed their own music. It is pretty impressive.




Emma's Imagination (the winner) also performed "Focus" (below) and another more upbeat song called "This Day" which was also great. She has been making a living as a busker (street performer) in Glasgow until now (she's going places):





Pepper and Piano - this one gave me chills and made me cry. The singer, Pepper, is singing a song written by her friend who has seen (as they both have) some pretty hard times. I'm playing it as I compose this entry and have goosebumps.



Kyle, a self-taught musician and composer has had no formal musical training. This clip doesn't play the whole song, which is beautiful, but the reactions of Dizzy Rascal and Jaime Cullum (who was more than impressed) say a great deal about his talent.



Hero, an 11-year-old girl, sings a song she wrote and composed about a boy she met on holiday who said he'd call her and then never did. If you didn't know the story, you'd be hearing a grown-up love song. You can look for her performance of "Swept Away" on YouTube or on the Must Be the Music website. I won't post the video, but you can find it if you're curious. This one made me cry, too :)

Also noteworthy is Kyle, a young man with a condition in which he sees music in colors and taught himself to play the piano by studying endless hours of YouTube videos.

And then there is Danny Lane, a profoundly deaf pianist who wants to inspire children.

Wow.

And my speech







Yaz and Jimmy, thank you so much for making us part of your special day.
For those who don’t know, I’m Leslie – and my husband Alex and I have travelled more than 3,000 miles to be here. But there was never any question that we would be here.

I have never seen Yaz look so beautiful, and so happy.

Yaz and I became friends in our early college days. And for nearly 30 years, over long distances and sometimes years without seeing each other, we’ve remained close friends. She is a trusted friend with whom I can share anything.

We’ve sometimes been partners in mischief and we've had a lot of fun together. And we’ve been there for one another other when things were tough. We’ve prayed a LOT! We’ve shared so many laughs, plenty of tears – and a hangover or two!

Back in college we began our own unique method of therapy -- sitting on a bench on the campus the quad at St. Mike’s, drinking (very) cheap champagne and eating Wheat Thins while we pondered life and lessons learned and, of course, love and boys, heartaches and thrills, and the day we would find “the one”.

The ritual and the Wheat Thins are the same, the champagne a bit better – so Yaz, here are some supplies for the next chat (gift of Wheat Thins and champagne)

We used to get together in Boston when she came to the annual Yankee Dental Convention where, over the years, we managed to crash an Art Garfunkle Concert, charm our way into the front row of a Doobie Brothers concert – and just before I moved to Holland, we had our last hurrah at a Cheryl Crowe concert – where we smuggled out more than thirty unclaimed gift bags full of Crest night time toothpaste! Two years later, I still haven’t used it all!…

When my husband met Yaz for the first time, he was “gobsmacked” (that’s British for flabbergasted :o) He loved her from the moment she set his designer shirt on fire with a sparkler – while he was wearing it!

Yaz is one of those precious friends that I’m blessed to have. My husband ‘gets’ our friendship (inasmuch as any man can understand women…) and appreciates the bond. A husband knows that a wife is just a little more whole and happy if she has such a friend.

Alex is somewhat perplexed and actually quite amused by her obsession with dolphins, and whenever we see anything that relates to dolphins, we think of Yaz.

Anyway -

When I look at Yaz and Jimmy right now, I get a little teary-eyed! I know that Yaz has found her true match in Jimmy – he is the one.

If you’ll indulge me for just another minute –

Yaz, you have raised the most amazing son – he’s a testament to and a reflection of the remarkable person that you are. Shaun is one of the most charming, articulate, respectful, responsible and genuine young adults I have ever known.

Don’t get me wrong, Shaun is a perfectly normal kid, and he’s not perfect. But when you meet him, you’ll KNOW he has an amazing mother.

Jimmy, you, Ben and Lexa are so blessed to have this woman in your life – but you know that already.

Finally, as an old married lady, I am obliged to dispense some marital advice, so I’ll say this:

Jimmy, the most important phrase you’ll ever know isn’t three little words, but two

“yes, dear!”

I think my husband would agree? Alex? (he says “yes, dear!”)

Yaz, my dear friend - and Jimmy, the man of her dreams - May the life ahead of you be all you’ve ever dreamed of – and congratulations!

The reading

Now you will feel no rain.
For each of you will be shelter to one another;

And now you will feel no cold;
For each of you will you will be warmth to the other.

Now there is no loneliness;
You are two bodies,
but there is one life before you,
and one home;

When evening falls,
You’ll look to each other, and there you will be;

And you’ll take his hand, and he’ll take yours:
And you'll turn together
and you'll look at the road you’ve traveled to reach this –
The hour of your happiness.

It stretches far behind you,
and your future lies ahead;

A long and winding road
where every turning means discovery;

All the hope…new laughter…shared tears;
The adventure has just begun.

Monday, September 27, 2010

The reception


Dancing 'til the wee hours...





Sooooo worth the trip!!


Congrats, Lovebirds!!

Congrats to Yaz and Jimmy!

My friend Yaz (Jasmine) married the man of her dreams (Jimmy) on August 28, 2010 in Saco, Maine. Alex and I travelled from Holland to celebrate this very special day with the happy couple and their friends and family. It was a beautiful ceremony and an incredibly fun reception. Alex acted as the chauffer on the day, adorning our rented white GMC in ribbon and driving the bride to the church. He was supposed to usher the mother of the bride down the aisle - but the photographer, thinking he was the chauffer, wouldn't let him out of the car! He made it to the ceremony just in the nick of time (and another groomsman walked mum down the aisle ;)

I was privileged to give a reading at the ceremony, and a special speech for my friend at the reception. We've been friends for nearly 30 years, having met in college. We often shared a bottle of cheap champagne and ate wheat thins whilst we pondered life and love, heartaches and thrills, and yes, most often, boys.

Yaz has raised her son, Shaun, now 24, on her own. I adore Shaun, and find him to be one of the nicest young adults I know. Shaun is a remarkable young man, a talented, articulate, charming guy who is a testament to and a reflection of his amazing mom.

We all let loose on the dance floor that evening, doing the Macarena, the cotton-eyed joe, the twist and more and partied into the wee hours of the morning. I managed to keep up with all the youngsters and even show them a thing or two about how to celebrate at a wedding :)

This first video features the wedding guests - the second will show us all getting our groove on and tearing up that dance floor. What a party!!!

Hailee turns five...

In late August, we made a trip to the US for a wedding. We stopped to visit family on the way, and celebrated my niece's fifth birthday and, as usual, we all got silly :)

We headed into Boston to spend a romantic evening in city, celebrating our fifth wedding anniversary and then we drove to Maine for my friend Yaz's big day.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Portugal Week Two


Well, the Collins family arrived safely and the whole clan (in-laws, Kim, Granville, Dylan, Nick, Alex and I) enjoyed the pool and Ale and I took Kim, Granville and the kids for a proper piri piri chicken at a local restaurant in Ohlos D'Agua - yum! It was great fun for our friends to meet some of our UK family and vice versa as they'd heard so much about one another.

On the Monday, Ray and Di headed back to Wales and we continued with our pattern of bacon and egg sandwiches, daily trips to the supermarket for water and other supplies, wandering into town to peruse all the tat that is sold, and more. The Collins family took a day-trip to the western part of the Algarve and also spent an afternoon at Falesia beach with just the kiddies. And as Granville celebrated his birthday while they were in Portgual, Alex and I offered to watch the kids for the evening while they went out for a grown up dinner. This was our gift to Granville (and Kim) for his birthday. We fared well and the kids were well-behaved and in bed hours before their parents arrived back at the villa.

During the week, the four of us played endless hours of Taboo and Left, Right, Center (LRC). LRC is a dice game involving no skill or strategy, and only a couple of simple rules. Since we play with money, one important rule is that you never touch anyone's money. If they have to turn it over to you, you must wait for them to do so, rather than helping yourself (which is a normal temptation). Anyway, at one point Kim was frustrated with me and when it came time to pay her, she grabbed my coins...we all stopped breathing for a minute, and Kim said "go ahead - throw me in the pool." And although I should have more carefully considered the consequences of throwing my fully dressed friend (with newly coiffed hair) in the pool, I heard the challenge as if she'd said "I dare you to do it but don't think you can" - and she then proceeded to step down to the pool area. Well, after quite a struggle, she went in (and how I didn't end up in there with her I don't know!) Soaking wet and suddenly sober, Kim was not happy with me :o( But I'd been challenged...and I was stronger than she'd thought (thank you, Wii Fit!) so succeeded in tossing her in the water.

Anyway, Nicholas wanted to know why I'd thrown his mother in the pool with her clothes on - and although we explained the situation, he clearly felt the need to avenge his mother, and defend her honor, and throw Miss Leslie in the pool (and *not* in her swimsuit). I had to set it up for him because I could see that he really needed to feel better about the situation - and he managed to throw me in the pool - but not without coming with me. All was right with the world. Nicholas still loves me - as does Kim - but I'll never get her hair wet again!!

We had some very memorable moments and loads of fun - and you can see also from the pics that Dylan and Nicholas are very cute - which is good for them because they are normal, mischievious little gremlins. Kim and Granville are amazing parents and it shows in these very, very well-behaved and adorable kids.

It was a wonderful week. On our last evening we had dinner at a restaurant in Ohlos D'Agua which overlooked the beautiful beach and we filled ourselves with a fabulous dinner, beginning with Sangria and ending with chocolate cake and Bailey's on ice!
All in all, a fabulous time with very good friends. And we were sad to head back to Amsterdam, knowing that the following morning the Collins' would be heading back to Houston.

A bit worried about the culture shock of returning to Holland - which has, frankly lived up to its reputation for not-so-good customer service (which is putting it mildly!) - we had an unexpected but simply delightful experience.

Having arrived in Wassenaar at just before 10 p.m. on Saturday evening, and knowing there'd be no stock of food for us and the Collins crew, we wanted to order some pizza. Well, we knew it'd be touch and go! But when Alex called a local pizza joint, he was told (expectedly) that they were closed....BUT, the owner said that he'd make us some pizzas and deliver them on his way home! HOORAH! He got a sizeable tip and a huge "thank you" from all of his when he arrived.
We thoroughly enjoyed pizza and watching Dylan and Nicholas "duke it out" at Star Wars Lego on the Wii.

Very early on Sunday morning we bid tot ziens to our friends and retreated back to bed!

Here is Part 2 of "Holiday in Ohlos D'Agua" ... enjoy!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Our Portugal Holiday




In July, Alex and I, along with my in-laws, Ray and Di, and the Collins family (Kim, Granville, Dylan and Nicholas) rented a villa in the Algarve region of Portugal, returning to the same area that we'd visited two years before and absolutely wanted to return. We rented Vila Mila in Ohlos D'Agua, a short walk from the town's center and beach.

We arrived at our new temporary home a few hours before my in-laws, welcomed by Victor and Maria, the couple who took care of the house, pool and garden. Victor gave us the "lay of the land" and we settled into the spacious villa and shopped for some basic supplies - eggs, bacon, bread, drinking water and the all important beer. Once Ray and Di arrived we had a relaxing afternoon walking to the local beach for a beer and a lovely evening with Alex cooking on the outdoor grill.

The week consisted of too many bacon and egg sarnis (sandwiches), some delicous meals in town, including lots of piri piri chicken, my first phal dish at a local indian restaurant (offered only in a handful of curry houses). Phal is hotter than the dish usually considered as the hottest, a vindaloo. I loved it, and had another later in the week. And I look forward to finding and having it again. I do recommend having a King Fisher beer nearby if you decide to try it yourself!


We rented a car early in the week, quite handy for toting gallons of bottled drinking water from the market to the villa (you can't drink or use the tap water for cooking, so on foot carrying one bottle makes it quite a workout in the heat, and uphill.) We also took advantage of our wheels and drove to the western part of the Algarve, returning to "the end of the world" - Capo de St. Vincete - the western most tip of Europe. On our first visit to this spot two years ago, an eerie fog had rolled in (everywhere else we'd been was clear and hot) and we couldn't even see the lighthouse which was literally right in front of us. This visit allowed us to see clearly the amazing views - and the reason that this high-cliffed area has been fatal to many fishermen. It was still quite cool and windy - and if you aren't prepared, some of the market stalls sell shalls, ponchos and fleece jackets!


Here is a film that covers this first week at Vila Mila. Next up, the Collins family arrives for week two!







Monday, August 2, 2010

Another drug bust!

Well, you might remember that soon after we moved to Wassenaar, a cannabis (marijuana) farm was found in a neighboring flat - right across the street from us. A few days ago my doorbell rang - it was the police - explaining that they'd found "soft drugs" in the house and asking if we'd seen anyone or anything that would help them locate those reponsible. It was THE SAME HOUSE! Pictures would be the same - lots of officers, both uniformed and plain clothed, and the trucks from the removal company that takes all the equipment and plants from the house.

Who knows when the perpetrators returned - they likely have been operating for a while....

"Soft drugs" include marijuana, hashish and other "organic" drugs. It used to include hallucinogenic mushrooms - which were declared prohibited in 2007. Soft drugs are not technically legal in the Netherlands, but they are 'tolerated' and small amounts for personal use are allowed. The policy came about as a result of a serious heroine probolem in the 1970's.

Cannabis remains a controlled substance in the Netherlands and both possession and production for personal use are still misdemeanos, punishable by fine. Coffee shops are also technically illegal according to the statutes but, are flourishing nonetheless. According to current gedoogbeleid (the Dutch "tolerance law") the possession of a maximum amount of five grams cannabis for personal use is not prosecuted. A maximum of five Cannabis sativa plants may be grown without prosecution, although they have to be handed over upon discovery. So, the house contained mor than five plants...

Wassenaar may be considered "the Beverly Hills of Holland" (not accurate!). Granted, in South Wassenaar there are some HUGE and very expensive homes and much of Wassenaar is quite posh, and there are quite a few residents with bags of money - but it certainly doesn't mean there isn't organized crime here (which is who I suspect runs the ring here).

I'm working on the photos from Portugal where we spent time with the in-laws and the Collins family (now living in Houston). Stay tuned!

Monday, July 5, 2010

A walk in Duindorp


In late June, I participated in another event hosted by The Hague Bridge Project. Members of the AWC were invited by Hannelore Taal from The Hague's Hospitality Centre. Along with friends Yoka, Marilee, Eileen, Emily and Dan and a group of about twenty others we enjoyed a gorgeous sunny morning in an area of The Hague I hadn't known existed and it was lovely.

The city of The Hague is renowned as the International City of Peace and Justice. It is home to some 40,000 expats. During the four or five years that expats tend to spend in The Hague, they do not necessarily have to integrate. They do, however, need to get to know the city. The Hague Bridge Project addresses that need. Every few months, a different district of The Hague is in the spotlight.

Scheveningen was the first district in the spotlight and had the pleasure of being invited on a guided walk through a very special part of town - Duindorp. This unique, almost isolated little village, enclosed on three sides by sand dunes, is just a minute from the sea.

We were welcomed by Willem Post, international advisor to the City of The Hague
and Danielle Harthoorn, branch manager of community centre ‘Trefpunt’ in Duindorp.

This interesting walk included a visit to the annual Duindorp Fair and the seawater thermal power plant - the only one in the world! We ended this historical tour at a beautiful beach house restaurant with lunch and an open discussion about life in Scheveningen / The Hague with Mrs. Van Aartsen (wife of the mayor of The Hague).









It is very obvious from all of the Oranjegetke (the "orange craze" - that occurs during Queen's Day and during football and other major sporting events), and the ubiquitous Hup Holland (Go Holland!) message that World Cup fever is hot in Holland. There are also signs that this is the end of the school year, with back packs and school bags hanging on flag poles indicating that the student has passed his or her exams.)



Below is a film with pics from the day...

Monday, June 21, 2010

A downside of Expat life

Well, the past couple of years have been full of fun adventures and new experiences, and some very special bonds of friendship.

This film is from a party we had to celebrate with friends to spend some time with them, say goodbye and wish them well before they move on to their next adventure. This past couple of years has been particularly tough as the economy has meant that more friends than usual are moving around the globe and assignments tend to be shortened so everyone's future is always a bit uncertain.

I wish all the best to Marilee & Tony who will be moving to Moscow very shortly; to Terry & Mark who are returning to Texas; to Phoebe & Gary moving to Maryland; Kathy & Jack who will be repatriating to Kentucky; to Terry & Joe, also moving back to the States.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Wassenarseslag

















What? That's Wassenaar Beach in Dutch. During their visit, I took the family to the local beach in Wassenaar for some sun and relaxation. The kids braved the water and Catrin buried Steffie to his neck in a sand mermaid sculpture. Beautiful afternoon.






As the weather was too good to sit inside, we decided to forego another visit to the fondu restaurant. We headed to the market to get supplies for that evening's bbq followed by singing, dancing, kick boxing demonstrations, head stands, and lessons for the kids in how to do what Alex calls the "cocky walk".... We ended the evening with my now-official signature dessert that I call "Monkey Pudding" - yum!



























































































Exploring Beauty















Remember the Beauty Project? Well, it became Exploring Beauty and it had its first gallery opening in a series in Antwerp on the last weekend in May. Unfortunately for us, we (and many others) were caught in a four-hour backup in traffic on the motorway, so we missed the presentation and keynotes, but it was a great show. More models have joined the project as a result.

This article is published in the Health and Well-Being section of away magazine in Belgium.


Great Publicity for the AWC


This article will appear in the semi-annual Global The Hague magazine, a sophisticated winter/summer publication!

http://www.globalthehague.nl/

Monday, June 14, 2010

Zaanse Shans village









You never know who you might see!





In early June, the in-laws came for a week's visit with our niece and nephew. Early in the week we visited Zaanse Shans. This charming village was built by relocating old wooden houses, windmills, storehouses and more to create this replica of a village on the river Zaans. It also contains beautiful gardens and scenery, the bakery museum and the museum shop of Albert Heijn (a famous supermarket here founded in 1887.) We strolled around the whole place, visited the shops, museums and windmills and had traditional pannenkeuken for lunch - yum!















Next up: A visit to our local beach.