Willemstad the Netherlands

I woke up to a perfect view from my bed of the countryside Dutch village of Willemstad. The village has a population of 2,500. Willemstat is 7 star well-preserved fortification, and in the past it was a strategically important position defending and protecting the southern part of the Netherlands. You can still see ramparts all around the village. As you know, I’m traveling with a group from Cleveland with Fox 8’s “New Day Cleveland” personalities David Moss and Natalie Herbick. Rebecca, Sue (new friend) and I were in their small tour group today. This village is like a utopia where everyone knows everybody and helps each other. There is a real sense of community here, and the residents were so welcoming. The first Protestant church in the Netherlands was built here in 1607. The organist at the church was excited to play 5 songs for us! It was a big deal for him. After the tour we had a Dutch tasting get together provided by 2 residents dressed in their traditional costumes. We sampled several varieties of Gouda cheese and a Dutch drink called genièvre, which is a juniper flavored traditional liquor in the Netherlands. We are cruising the rest of the day and heading back to Amsterdam for our last day.

I can hardly wait to offer my grandkids the daily breakfast that children in the Netherlands have pretty much everyday. It’s called mouse poop on toast!Läs mer