Netherlands

After a short visit in Brussels, it was on to the Netherlands. Easy train travel with wifi and an upper deck seat of the countryside. This really is the best way to travel around. It's a flat, green country with not as many windmills as you would think. Rather than sticking to the big city tour and Amsterdam, I went to visit friends down in Arnhem. Gotta get that wholesome, fun local experience without the crazy touristy bit. Nice to soak up good times with great friends. 

I'd met Carina and Domingo a few years ago in Bosnia and then a few months later they joined our apple tasting mission in Kyrgyzstan. Similar minded, world travelers make for the best friends. Which means that within minutes of arriving, it was straight to swallowing a herring. Feeling Dutch, we biked back to their house for relaxing around the pond in hammocks. The good life and a welcome change from walking around cities. 

Having a spot to chill at with good company and strong coffee was awesome. Just a laid vibe which is great to mix in with all the travel and sightseeing. Gotta rejuvenate and get ready for the next adventures. The second night we went to 

Nijmegen, the so called summer capital of Holland. Beaches set up on both sides of the river and a huge weeklong festival were on the menu for the day. Loads of different food vendors from around the world and numerous music stages to rock out to. Every sort of music was in action, with some of the oldest buildings in Holland surrounding the stages. Super cool to have a drink outside 500 year old cafe or to walk between ancient city walls with hundreds of people, smiling, laughing and speaking that lovely Dutch language. I learned a few new words and felt like I was clearing my throat way too often. Fun times!