Groningen Summer Fun

Upon arriving back in Holland, Gerben and his Dad were kind enough to spare me the 2.5-hour train ride to Groningen and met me at the Amsterdam airport with the car. I was so happy to see them and Geb brought Mr. Charlie Brown to greet me as well. It was a very happy reunion indeed! We took the scenic route home, which led over the Afsluet Dike (basically an enormously long bridge over a lake…the Dutch are amazing with their ability to reshape their country haha). It was really lovely and we stopped for ice cream and to enjoy the view.

Back in Groningen, life returned to “normal” again. I found a wonderful yoga studio here called Open Yoga, which I am truly loving, and the nice weather has brought all kinds of fun adventures. The markets are open, the streets and parks are busy busy with happy happy people and Geb and I get out into it all as often as we can. I joined some friends from my Dutch course in a pub quiz team and although we are not quite the best team, we meet Sunday nights to test our combined compilation of random knowledge and have fun 

together. Go team Gaboobz!!!

            Over the past few weeks Charlie and I were also able to spend 

some days at Geb’s parents house in Delfzijl, which I consider to be a tiny paradise. Not only do they have one of the prettiest gardens I’ve ever seen (complete with apple trees and magnolias!), but they also have a small collection of very sweet horses and big yard, which Charlie patrols regularly. It is quite a place and a great little getaway from the city now and then. Thank you Gerard and Marianne for having us so often!      

            Also Geb and I took a day trip with his brother Harm, and girlfriend Nienke, to Walibi Amusement park! As the Dutch version of 6 Flags, it has multiple roller coasters, a large ferris wheel, churro stands and my personal favorite: the swing ride. The four of us took advantage of an online ticket deal and found ourselves strapped in and screaming (well, I was at least), for an entire afternoon. What fun! Thanks Harm and Nienke for driving and for a fun filled day!

            The following weekend Geb and I packed our backpacks and Charlie, and headed to the Dutch Isle of Skiermonikgoog for a weekend camping trip.

   We pitched our tent in the field of an adorable dairy farm, which rents out spots for a nominal nightly fee. It was equipped with communal bathrooms, showers, a kitchenette, a large fire ring, a small family of goats and lots of space and sunshine. Of course we took Charlie down to the ocean where he ran and rolled in the sand until I thought he would die of exhaustion. Geb  waded in the water and I perused the beach for shells. Perfect. Day. 

            We rented bikes for the weekend and toured the small island along with the even smaller town it is named for, consisting of a few houses, a grocery store, multiple souvenir shops and restaurants, a used bookstore and an ice cream parlor. It was beyond adorable. Seriously. Although Dutch “camping” seems to me like camping for weenies (we didn’t even use our portable stove!), we had a great weekend just the three of us and a fun time “roughing it” haha

            Apart form that, I have been able to meet friends for study/cooking/fun sessions where I am learning to make some seriously yummy Syrian dishes while reviewing Dutch homework…what a wonderfully odd combination!!

            Life is good here in Groningen. Even though I miss Mom very much, it feels good to be back with my boys and planning my next steps…Masters Thesis look out!! Madi comes for you ;) Of course it's not rainbows and butterflies all the time. A darkness still clouds my heart on most occasions, but I suppose it's now about acceptance and continuing onward. Healing. Living. Finding joy without Neil's physical presence but his spiritual one instead, and that is what counts...
        Until next time! Take care everyone and as usual, I love and miss you all very much! Please let me know what you are all up to by email if you have a spare moment.