Continental Europe, We're here!!

The real backpacking experience begins here. We've arrived in Amsterdam, to home cooked meals, a comfy double bed, and central heating.. so perhaps the backpacking hasn't quite happened yet, but the adventures have. But first I must mention our last day in Dublin, ANZAC day.

ANZAC day was pretty special. It was a day a little different to the traditional ANZAC commemorations in New Zealand, but still very memorable. We of course visited another Dublin establishment (a pub), named very aptly, the Wool Shed.

The Wool Shed was a designated Kiwi and Australian zone. It was plastered with signature arts and posters of our 'down under' lands. There's nothing quite like walking into a building and being confronted with a massive wall covered in Taine Randell and the boys doing a heartfelt Haka. Very nice touch. The Wool Shed boasted a range of crappy Australian beers such as Fosters, XXXX, and some more classy brews such as Speights (all at 4.5 Euro, or $9 N.Z a pop though!!!!). Very comforting after the liver testing Irish drinks.

The commemorations consisted of the nations anthems being sung aloud by a packed patriotic audience, two poems, the playing of the Last Post on the trumpet. and a minute silence. It was a short but sharp remembrance, but its impact was massive. The singing of the anthems was of course loud and proud, but the deafening silence of the poems read, and the Last Post sounding was special. The looong, lasting trumpet notes, airily echoing through-out the pub brought tingling feelings to the mind and body and soul. It was very appropriate, and very truthful of the reason we were standing in a Dublin pub very free and very happy, so many years after the great sacrifices of many New Zealand soldiers. Awesome!!!

We then arrived in the Netherlands, Amsterdam. For me, this is a pretty special place. I've been dreaming of visiting for many years and it was magic to see my Auntys and Uncles waiting to give hugs and kisses. We cruised away on a direct bus to Vijfhuizen (OMG the bus had its own road built for it!!!), and then a small walk to Auntie Ineke's, and Uncle Herman house.

Its a crazy experience so far, the Dutch language is challenging, and I'm making many times a fool out of my self. But its fun trying. Martin is also doing well, and puts up well with my Uncle speaking Dutch to him, while also picking up many words very quickly! Although he does seem more interested in trying to figure out how to say "you are a beautiful girl" to passer-byers. I have of course taught him completely wrong =).

The first day has been very traditionally Dutch. We've biked for 25kms on girlie looking olden day bikes. These bikes seem to make it compulsory to look very casual, laid back, and little bit old. It would definitely be absolutely impossible to look menacing or trouble worthy on them. We visited Spaarendam and Harlem, which are both fairly old areas near Amsterdam, and also where my parents, Grandparents, and Great Grandparents all lived. The houses are still standing in perfect quaint order.

Tomorrow we go to Amsterdam for the Queens birthday celebrations. It will be a bit of a festival, with the crazy side of Dutch society out in force. I can't wait to see it, and of course we'll keep you informed with photos and stories.