So, I found out today that the area I'm staying in is the Beverly Hills of the Netherlands. Apparently the summer cottages (small houses, very nice) run about 3-400,000 Euros (which is a fortune around here). Pretty much the only tourists that ever get to see this part of Amsterdams are the ones staying at the hostel/campground I'm in. We're a short walk from Lake Vinkeveense a.k.a. Vinkeveenseplassen. The whole lake branches out into canals so all the houses in this area have lake-or-canal-front property.
I went swimming today with a few people from the hostel. There are 11 islands out in the middle of the lake, and apparently you can camp for free on any of them for up to three days. The owner of the hostel has a boat, and they tell me he'll give anyone who wants one a ride out there and back for free. I'm sorely tempted to go camp out for a night on one of them, just because almost no one ever gets a chance to do it. Then again, it would probably be more or less the same as camping anywhere else back home -- except I'd be in the middle of a lake in The Netherlands, and how cool is that?
I rode a bike into the little town near here. It was adorable, as expected. Did some grocery shopping. When you find yourself experimenting with something that is clearly a pate, you're much happier when you can't read the ingredients list. Unfortunately, I find that I've learned enough French to make out the first two: pork liver and pork fat. I can't wait until I get up to Denmark where everything will be totally incomprehensible to me.
I went swimming today with a few people from the hostel. There are 11 islands out in the middle of the lake, and apparently you can camp for free on any of them for up to three days. The owner of the hostel has a boat, and they tell me he'll give anyone who wants one a ride out there and back for free. I'm sorely tempted to go camp out for a night on one of them, just because almost no one ever gets a chance to do it. Then again, it would probably be more or less the same as camping anywhere else back home -- except I'd be in the middle of a lake in The Netherlands, and how cool is that?
I rode a bike into the little town near here. It was adorable, as expected. Did some grocery shopping. When you find yourself experimenting with something that is clearly a pate, you're much happier when you can't read the ingredients list. Unfortunately, I find that I've learned enough French to make out the first two: pork liver and pork fat. I can't wait until I get up to Denmark where everything will be totally incomprehensible to me.
posted by Kristal at 12:08 PM
2 Comments:
Sounds like you had a great day. I'm glad you are enjoying your hostel.
Dad wondered what you wore to swim in. But, then decided he really didn't want to know. Can't remember you packing a bathing suit.
Don't worry, I'm back in the city now. I have most of today and until late tomorrow afternoon to enjoy it. And Mom and Dad, my fabulous convertable pants are made of quick-dry nylon, so I wore those and a sports bra... since you're so worried about it. ;-)
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