Day 24 - Markets, Ollie’s Birthday & Dutch food

Today we had a quiet morning!

We started off with a Dutch breakfast of brood, hagelslag and chocomelk that Oma had bought for us.

We then headed over to Berend and Ida’s bungaloo for some coffee.

At 9.45am, Ali, Auke, Dieuwe, Amie, Anne Roos, Gus, Ida, Oma and Opa headed off to see the local markets. All the kids wanted to stay behind and play, so Berend babysat.

On the way to the markets, Opa showed us a memorial. This memorial was because the village killed a high ranking Nazi officer, and in return the Germans burnt the whole place down and took all the men captive. At that memorial is where they took the men to the concentration camps.

he markets were so much fun to go to! They had a great atmosphere! Everyone was yelling out what they were selling, and there was amazing food in all directions! We tried some poffertjes (mini pancakes) and a loempia (spring roll).

We managed to pick up three huge punnets of strawberries for 3 euros, and also bought some red berries which looked so perfect they looked fake.

Of course we also had to stop in at the cheese stall! We were surprised to see they sold a green cheese!

We all met up and had kibbeling. This was Ali’s first time trying it and as she usually hates seafood she was nervous! She thought it wasn’t too bad, but definitely didn’t want a huge plate. Nearly all of us ordered a large plate and when it came out there was so much we had a whole paper bag full of it when we left.

The next thing we did was pop in to get a few groceries. We then headed back to our bungalows and set up for Ollie’s birthday party. It was meant to be at the park but because it was raining we had to do it indoors.

After the presents and food, we headed off to a local sheep farm. As it was raining, we couldn’t pat them like usual. We had a quick look in the cafe and museum which had a stuffed boar and some other animals like a fox and a badger.

We then headed on to a Dutch snack place for dinner. Some of the family met up here for dinner and there ended up being at least 30 of us. From here, we could order nearly any Dutch snack you could dream of. Auke ordered the XXL frikandel (sausage with sauce and onion) and Ali got a normal sized frikandel and a kroket (deep fried beef snack). Ali also got to try cherry beer which was nice! The girls got what looked like a happy meal but with Dutch snacks also.

This place also had the best bathroom sign ever!

After dinner, we headed to Gerbert and Gerdine’s house to have a quick look at the cows. Gerbert also gave the girls a quick ride on his tractor which they loved. At this place, there is a really old house which Opa was born in.

We then all headed home. It was a great day!