Lots of fun and a Mini-Vacation!

Hello Everyone,

So I left off with the 15th--A Thursday. That was my last day of work for over a week, so we went out with a bang--I took the kids to Vondelpark. Vondelpark is like the Amsterdam form of Central park. Its HUGE and has lots to offer--two play grounds and a few places to feed the ducks all within a 5 minute walk of the tram which is perfect for the kids. The weather was very mysterious, one minute sunny the next overcast but I decided to keep them outside and not bring them to the Dutch Discovery Zone. We had fun in one playground all morning, then we had a picnic lunch by teh ducks and fed them our crusts (pictured below).

Then, we made our way to the next playground. Nigel is beginning to love the sound of his voice and experiment with different noises and sounds--fine when you are outside but not so fine when you are in the tiny kitchen and trying to hear the girls request what they want for lunch, but either way still adorable. Here he is screaming to the high heavens at the playground.
It was a great day and we avoided all the rain--because it never did rain!
Then, on Friday I had the day off! Wooohooo! First stop, Rijksmuseum, their country's collection. It is quite small at the moment, only 12 rooms, because of construction and I was only really interested by the Rembrants and Miros, late 16th and 17th century paintings are definitely not my favorite, but it was a good time and free because of the museum pass Jane got for me! I also had a walk through the canals, which is so beautiful! Then, I met up with a new friend, Mieke, who took me to a great bar in an old factory called the pacific. It was great fun and she also showed me around the city and pointed out the places for some great markets. I am going to have to check them out soon. Then, I came home for a late dinner and to say goodnight to the kids because I would not begin seeing them for a week.
Saturday, I met up with my friend Serena and we went to a street music festival. It was really cool but had a very low attendance an it prompted us and her friends to venture over to the Suriname festival. I would've liked to stay and listen to the music, though. Even if others weren't enjoying it, I sure was! Here is a picture of the opening act--a drum core! Suriname is a country I have heard of before, but only in text books and i have never experienced any of the culture. There is a big Suriname population in Amsterdam and it was a fun, but also not very many people were there. I did get to try a new cuisine of food and had a fried bread snack that was delicious. It was a little awkward, though, because her friends and Serena only spoke in dutch and hardly included me--because I didn't understand what they were saying. Then, I came home and was exhausted. I had a yummy dinner and then went for a bike ride around my neighborhood, which has some beautiful sections. Here is right near the canal, and you can see the bed and breakfast I might send my parents to, as well as the famous Sloten windmill. It was a great, but tiring Saturday!
Sunday I met up with my friend, Alexa and we walked all around the city. It was really fun and we had a great time seeing the city and chatting with each other. We went to eh cafe Mieke took me too, a great buffet type place for lunch and hung out in Vondelpark. All in all, a terrific day!
Then, on Monday I left for my adventure to Texel. The town I stayed in was called Den Burg. It was very quaint and a great place for home base. This is a picture of one of the cute, curing streets. It was so beautiful. Then, I left for the coast. On the way I had beautiful views of the countryside, like this one: One of the oldest churches in Texel, in the town of Den Hoorn, is visible through the farm lands of the island. Then, I rode through the forest, dunes and finally made it to the beach. It was hot out so the breeze and water at my toes was very appreciated. Then, for dinner, I feasted on Kibbeling, a type of friend fish that is very common here. It was delicious. I also had the same thing for lunch, from a vendor at a great town market in Den Burg. It was a great first day on the island.
Then, on Tuesday I went to the town of De Koog, which was just as cute, but much busier and not as old fashioned as Den Burg. On the way I went for a hike through the dunes, which were so beautiful and hung out on the beach for a little bit. The duens were gorgeous and very relaxing place to walk around in.
Then, the beach was much quieter than the one the day before, and I watched a fishing boat pass. Here is it, being attacked by all the seagulls looking for lunch. . Then, I went through the middle of the island on my way home and found myself in the woods again. Here is the path I am riding on going through the canopy of trees. I really enjoined all the sights the island had to offer. Then, I rode by my first flower farm. If this is what the entire country looks like in April, I will be so happy. Just this small section is beautiful!

Then, on Wednesday I ventured all the way tip the northern tip of the island--15km from Den Burg. Here is a red lighthouse which is so cute and looked great on the landscape.
I just relaxed on the beach for a while and I had a great lunch at a cafe right on the beach. It was so nice and a great way to start off my day. On all the beaches, you can rent these small sheds that people use to store there things, get out from the sun and hang out in front of. If you ask me, its a little weird, but its interesting and they look super cute all lined up on the beach.
Then, I went to the town closest to this beach, De Cocksdorp. It was nice, but then after I left I found some other cute towns along the way that were much cuter. Here is one,
I stopped in three towns and they were all adorable and I had some great views along the way. One of the best had a famous dutch windmill in it.
It was a great, biking filled day! I loved my trip there! it was so relaxing!
Today, Thursday, was my last day on the island. I went to the town Oudenschild, only 3km from my hostel, for a few hours before heading home. It was so cute and had a harbor filled of ships. It was very quaint and I really liked it. Now I am home and going out to meet some friends tonight, a day trip with one tomorrow and spending the night at another friend's house. Then, work on Monday but just for a week before Spain! YAY! Love you all! Keep reading!