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Monday, September 6, 2010

Surprise party, Bikes & Gorinchem!

On Friday the Jansens came to Maastricht to help out with some things around the apartment. Trees and Jan helped us build, put together, and organize things. At dinner, Jaap surprised me inviting me to a surprise welcome party with his family and friends at a local pub. He kept a good secret. It was nice to see his friends and family and to meet other friends I had not met before. We had a great time. It was a nice welcome to Maastricht. Thank you Trees and Jan for all your help with the apartment. And of course, thank you Jaap for planning a wonderful welcome.
Surprise party at John Mullins Pub

With gifts!




Thursday's dinner after exploring the Asian Market downtown


Saturday we went for a bike ride through Oos Maarland and Eijsden. It was a beautiful day and great weather for being outside. It was nice to see what’s outside of Maastricht. (Small towns and cows). The ride was beautiful. I still have to get used to riding a bike. Most Dutch can do multiple tasks while riding, while I can barely stop at a red light. I know that things will improve though. We stopped in Eijsden and had lunch at a café. Here are some pictures from our ride.







Leaving Eijsden, fancy shot by Jaap


On Sunday we went to Gorinchem to visit Jaap’s brother, sister-in-law, and nephews. We walked around the city and went to a pannenkoeken restaurant (pancake house) for lunch. Pannenkoeken are not eaten for breakfast, but rather lunch or dinner and they come sweet or savory. Yummy.
Gorinchem with the Jansens




Here are some videos of Jaap playing soccer with his nephews Jasper and Tijn. (Please note Jaap’s fancy footwork). The youngest one Mees is jumping on the trampoline. Special thanks to Annabelle and Frans for hosting us!
Happy Labor Day everyone! More importantly, Happy Anniversary to my amazing parents who have been married for 30 years today! Wow. We love you!

P.S. Mom- The quilt is beautiful and keeping us nice and warm. Love you!


More pics exploring Maastricht:
Sint Jan, built 14th-15h century




Medieval fortification in Maastricht, part of the 'walled-city'

1 comment:

  1. Dear Elena,
    So sorry to not have made it to your welcoming party. Now we are still strangers. However, following your lovely adventures here will help me get to know you a little.
    Still, it would be nice to meet up, maybe at a pub some other time.
    Say hi to Jaap for me,
    kind regards,
    Rianne

    ReplyDelete