On Friday we learned that banks are also insurance agents. So we found a bank that was open (although on short staff). The broker there took our details and promised to get our insurance first thing on Monday. He couldn't however give us a cover note so we remain uninsured! We had stayed a night in a camping area near Den Bosch, so we could arrange the insurance, and not be driving. But then we realised that it would be another few days before we had the insurance and we were not going to waste our time in a camping area while we waited. So off we went, carefully again.
Netherlands this time, in spring is much more beautiful than it was last time we visited, in winter. I suppose that is not surprising. The bright green springtime leaves, the warm sunshine, the birds are all amazing. We are travelling in the countryside rather than on the freeways. The dairy cattle are in fields, there are lambs, foals and calves everywhere.
We have wild-camped a couple of nights in the Netherlands. But we have heard that this forbidden in Netherlands and Germany. We have also heard that camping areas often have limits of 3.5 tonnes on campers. Well that leaves us out in the cold! So we have tried to be discrete, leave no trace of our stay etc. One night when we were in our terribly discrete spot where thought no-one would even know we were there, a police car cruised into our parking area, drove around us. The policeman waved and headed out again without speaking to us! Whew! I guess they saw our foreign plates and decided it was too hard. Or maybe they realised we were not the problem. Anyway we were quite relieved.
We have twice stayed in camp grounds. One declared they were full, but since we didn't need power they directed us to a piece of lawn. They also told us about the 3.5 Tonne limit, but ignored it. The second place also let us in because we didn't need power. That seems to be quite an advantage especially on a long weekend! The campgrounds are very social. We had people coming over to ask about the vehicle almost continuously in the campgrounds. Lucky we don't mind giving them the tour - it often results in quite a nice social interaction.
There are heaps of facilities for families, including great kids play areas, and kids entertainment. There are family showers, and one place had a restaurant. The cost has been €20, and €23 for a night, unpowered site.
Tonight we are in Groningen hoping to meet up with our friends, Frank and his wife Corry. Because of our communication difficulties we are having problems organising our meeting. We are parked beside a canal where there is a family of swans with their new cygnets. Beautiful!
18 May 2015
After a very pleasant evening with Frank and Corrie we headed northwards. There are a few things which have been very obvious about Netherlands.
1. It is very flat! One result of this is that there are bicycles every where.
2. There is a long twilight, with darkness only descending about 10pm. This means that there is a long time after work for families to get out on their bikes, or walk, or sit in a street cafe talking with friends. It is fabulous. Some Dutch people told us that this is why they have come back to Holland after travelling the world.
3. The architecture is very different from what we are used to.
These thatch roofed houses are quite common and look great! There are cobblestones everywhere too.
Añd of course the windmill is quintessentially Dutch.
And can you go to Holland without seeing a Van Gough museum?
We have enjoyed our travel through the Netherlands, albeit rather quickly. We are anxious to get into Scandinavia since our time there will be barely enough.
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