Happy Dutch. A lifestyle.

This morning Ally and I slept in.  We've been going non-stop the past two days in a row and today our bodies were having none of it.  So, we decided to live like the Dutch do today.  We took our time...with everything.  We leisurely got out of bed (I'm not going to tell you at what time because you would be appalled), we leisurely took showers and got ready for the day, we leisurely called and email our daddies for Father's Day, then we leisurely strolled down to the Grand Cafe Brinkmann for some espresso and a late afternoon lunch outside in the sunny square.

We've noticed that Dutch people seem genuinely happy with their lives and have also come to realize that this is because they take time to enjoy everything about their day.  The shops and restaurants close very early here and if they do stay open late it's because they don't open their doors until six or seven p.m.  Last night, as we sat talking at a bar until about midnight, we realized that we were the only people in the entire place.  When we asked our bartender what time the restaurant closed he smiled at us and said "we close when the last guests leave" and then popped out to a neighboring bar to procure the lime that he needed for the next drink that he was in the process of pouring for me.  The clouds move quickly here, but nothing else does.

Our tour officially started today.  We've met some lovely people already.  We had dinner with our new family, a traditional Rijstaffel, and then went on a foot tour of the city we've been living in for the past two days.  Our local tour guide was quick to point out all of the things that she said created the "Happy Dutch".  We talked about the politics of her country, the education, we passed by a couple passionately kissing in an alleyway, she discussed the postal system, the countries view on marijuana, and the historical preservation  of the countries major landmarks.  After each of these lessons she would say "and that's why the Dutch are so contented...Happy Dutch!!"  So, here's to a slow and peaceful day.  Here's to being a little more like the Happy Dutch.

                                                                         Peace, Love, and Travel

                                                                         Reba

No better way to wake up.

Dark wheat bread with honey, goat cheese, arugula, tomatoes and pine nuts. 

Family Rijstaffel Dinner.  The plates are set on the heated plank in the middle. 

What a great way to share a meal!

Dutch mail slot.  They get these stickers for free from the City Hall.  They say, "No No.  No junk mail, no coupon papers, no soliciting."  This is one of the many reasons we learned today that the Dutch are so contented!