A long day's travel from Bordeaux as we had three train changes: Paris where we had to change stations, going from Gare Montparnasse in the south to Gare de Nord across the other side of Paris. We left a bag at the apartment we were coming back to (Diana & Norman McLeod's) and managed to get our connection with five minutes to spare; on to Amsterdam where we had to change to the Arnhem train, all on our Eurail ticket. We were met on the station platform by Kees, partner of Remke, whom we met on our trip to Africa in 2002. They stayed with us in Aus 2004. Since then they have produced two boys, Sem (2 ½ ) and Flyn (3mths). They have an attractive newly renovated heritage listed house close to the centre, much larger than the house we stayed with them in 2003. Sem is a lovely boy who has plenty to say in Dutch and wanted also to speak English and had learnt "My name is Sem. How are you? I am fine."He loves company and enjoyed having someone different.

We all visited the "Open Lucht Museum" to where many different types of original Dutch farmhouses, a church, a school, a mill and various other workers' cottages have been moved. We saw a crane catch a frog for his dinner which Sem really enjoyed! On Sunday Kees, Rem, Mal & I had a day out and we visited two very attractive villages, Bronckhurst and Doesburg- found a warm pub and had a beer or two before we went back to Arnhem for dinner at the rebuilt Post Office.

Kees' associates have rejuvenated this area providing low cost housing and commercial premises. It's a bit like a local housing authority rejuvenating a hectare of old innercity housing, makingNewtown (Sydney) in one year a desirable area rather than the market taking 15 years. New pavements, closed roads, refurbished housing, good restaurants, fashion shopping;the pub is unfortunately too trendy for the locals but well patronised by others just a few kilometers away.

The Drug Boat is moored adjoining "The Bridge Too Far" very controversial location. The area is central Arnhem and the bridge is well known internationally from the battle in 1944. The drug boat is to be moved but where to? as no one wants it next door. For years Holland has allowed the use of soft drugs and is fairly tolerant of harder drugs although it is illegal to grow, import or manufacture drugs they can be sold in small quantities. This availability has attracted many addicts to Holland and the local solution has been for addicts to receive their treatment aboard this boat.

We have found Holland very expensive when you get service -beer $6 - $10 or coffee $ 5 - $8 in an open air coffee shop/cafe or restaurant. for an hour. Pubs as we know them where people go to drink do not exist except in some tourist areas.