It's 2006

Jens and I have been traveling to Holland for many years now. We always look forward to this vacation.

It is his 'homeland', his roots are here, and it becomes obvious when we arrive. The first thing Jens enjoys doing is finding a herring tent! It's not actually a tent any more - there used to be one in Naarden, but no longer. Now herring is found in a tin building, a seafood store or market. Anyhow, it is a fish that is not cooked, but preserved in a brine. He craves it and eats it almost everyday! It is very good for you, but an acquired taste! We in America know it in wine or sour cream, not plain as herring is known here. Although, you can also buy it in the cream or wine.

So, after we settle into our hotel, and find a herring for Jens, he is happy and ready to explore. We may go to another small local town, village, or city. Everything is close here. Cars are small, and gas is 3 times as expensive as in the States. The taxes are high here. Everything is inclusive of all taxes. The only good thing is that the price you see on an article is the price you pay! Same at a restaurant.

The photo below is the hotel where we have stayed for many years. It is very well located, so we can drive a short distance to where ever we may want or need to go. It has a very good restaurant so if we are tired from site-seeing or visiting all day, we can eat there and there is no driving involved. Good when you are planning on drinking a few Heineken's or vodka's!