First week in review

Our first week in our new marina has been full of exploring and visiting with old friends. We’ve had a wonderful time and have been too busy doing things to have time for updating the blog.

Wednesday Marike took us to the Museum Jan van der Togt in Amstelveen to see the Anton Heyboer exhibit there. Heyboer, who died in 2005, was a famous Dutch artist and personality and Marike’s husband. It was really special to have Marike to show us Anton’s work, and the museum director, Jan Verschoor, made us feel very welcome. Jan is a sculptor himself, and we were invited into his personal apartment with some other people, where we got to see art that isn’t on display in the museum proper. The photo is of Marike and me in front of a Heyboer painting that the museum purchased.

Thursday night we went to the Democrats Abroad Netherlands all-night gathering to watch Barak Obama’s acceptance speech. It was fun to meet some other Americans, and we found out, among other things, where we can buy corn tortillas. The guys who gave us the tip had actually been pressing their own tortillas from polenta before they located the mother lode to supply both corn tortillas and masa. Also, our gathering was covered by Dutch television, and we were shown on the news the next day. Although we were interviewed, that portion was cut, and we only show up clearly at the end. Here’s a link to a clip from the show called EénVandaag, but it’s in Dutch.

Friday afternoon Marike came by and spent the afternoon. It’s so good to get acquainted with her again. She gave me a carnelian necklace and bracelet for my birthday and brought lots of books about Anton Heyboer so that I can learn more about her life these past 30+ years.

Saturday the sun came out, and it was a beautiful summer day. Esmeralda and her boyfriend, Mark, came to see us, and we had wine and hapjes (snacks or nibbles) in the cockpit. She looks great (as you can see), and Mark is very nice. We’re looking forward to seeing more of them. Esmeralda brought me the latest Kathy Reichs paperback, Bones to Ashes, which is much appreciated especially since Reichs is one of my favorite authors.

Saturday evening Anouk came to visit and we went out for a yummy Chinese dinner. It turns out that the best Indonesian restaurants are closer to where Anouk lives in Amstelveen, so one of these days we’ll join Anouk and her family for rijstafel in her neighborhood. As you can see in the photo, Anouk looks great too. She's still tan from her summer in Spain.

Unfortunately, birthday greetings from my sister also brought the news that my dad is in the hospital. Reports are that he’s doing well, and we wish him a speedy recovery.