I had to get up really early to meet up with Herman and Arenda on time. I only had a few hours of sleep since I had to pack and get ready.
It was raining on and off so I had to wake up my host a little after 7am to buy rain ponchos from him. I couldn't risk getting all my bags wet. It was very windy and cloudy but luckily no rain.
It was too early so there were only about five people in the station, but more came later just before the train arrived.
I actually planned a longer gap between trains to give me more time at Amsterdam Centraal to find my next train. It was a good thing because the ticket office at Zaandam was still closed, and I realized that I probably had to validate my Eurail Pass at Amsterdam anyway because I was directed to the international ticket counter.
I was so exhausted that I snored most of the way to Hengelo. But I still woke up at the stops.
I saw a small university by one of the train stops and wondered if it was the one that Dama said he and Hans went to.
Herman, Arenda, the kids, and Germany
I had just gotten off the train and getting organized when I heard my name. It was Herman, and he gave me a big bear hug, followed by a hug from Arenda and an introduction to their 11-year-old Sander.
They drove me to their home, where their 18-year-old daughter Melissa was waiting. We had pie and tea, and much laughter. They gave me a tour of their modern house, which they thought was a small house compared to the US homes they saw on TV. I assured them that theirs is actually the same size as an average home in the US, and with bigger rooms.
I thought we would be staying to chat but they wanted to take me to a nearby castle just across the German border, so off we went.
Along the way, I asked Sander to teach me some Dutch words. He was also learning English in school but he isn't as fluent as his sister yet, so Melissa was our interpreter. :)
Suddenly, I heard a big boom and I thought that the back tires got blown. It turned out that someone hit us from behind. So we had to stop while Herman dealt with it. A politie arrived on a motorbike and we were soon on our way. Luckily, the damage was minor.
The little town was very beautiful. It reminded me of a small town in the Pacific Northwest (US) but I couldn't remember which. You had to walk up a steep hill to get there but it was a lovely walk. Herman said that the stones used in the cathedrals in Amsterdam were quarried from this area.
Scroll to the left or right to see the family posing for me.
Herman thought of paying to go inside but I declined because we only had half an hour so it wasn't worth the expense. So we took more pictures of the grounds and the chapel, which was open to the public.
We went back to their home for more chat and another snack and more chatting. When it was almost time for my train, I said goodbye to Melissa and Sander, who stayed behind.
Herman and Arenda waited with me until the train arrived, then we exchanged hugs again before I boarded.
On to Antwerp
I was a bit disoriented when I got back to Amsterdam Centraal. But I had some time.
For an early dinner, I had a falafel wrap from a Mediterranean fast food place near the Thalys platform, and it was actually very good.
The next leg of the trip actually required a seat reservation. On the train, I sat next to a young woman who was getting organized when I arrived. A nice-looking dark Mediterranean man smiled as he helped me lift my bag overhead. He sat across the aisle from me with his friend. A toddler from a couple of rows ahead took a liking to me (or at least a curiosity). His mom smiled when I said bye to him as I headed back up the aisle towards the doors.
Antwerpen Centraal is a huge station. I went up a flight of escalators and thought it was the main area. I was wrong. There were more floors up.
My Airbnb host Han had sent a message earlier that he would pick me up at Astridplein towards the zoo. Sure enough, I found signs leading to the zoo. Then I realized that this train station was probably bigger than Oakland International Airport.
It was already dark but I noticed someone standing by a car as though waiting for someone from the station. I moved in that direction anyway to check if it was him, and he recognized me before I could see his face.
My Airbnb host Han about to load my bag in the trunk of his car.
The very old building is beautiful inside but is still very much under renovation. Han said that he bought it without seeing it first after the frustration of other properties being sold quickly when he was looking to buy.
The Airbnb unit is on Floor 2 (US 3rd floor). Han lives just below and the units above me were rented out on a monthly basis.
He decorated the unit with a king-size mahogany sleigh bed, an antique armchair, a tasteful nude charcoal sketch on the wall. The kitchen has a stove and a small fridge. And the large bathroom has modern design fixtures.
I must have looked exhausted because he said he'd leave me alone to rest. So I took a quick shower and called it a day.
Insights
No surprises about Herman and Arenda; they are even warmer and sweeter and nicer in person. Even their kids are well adjusted and happy and sweet. They all made me feel like an honored guest, even with their limited resources, and I am overwhelmed with their hospitality and generosity. At times like this, I am very grateful that SL exists. Otherwise, would I have met them at all?
No comments:
Post a Comment