Sylvia's Journal

Axel is discovering the picturesque small towns that can be found all over Holland. There is a certain formula to them that is pleasing and timeless and totally right. Today we went to Oldenzaal, just a few kilometers from the German border. We stopped at the tourist office to get a map of walks and the places to have coffee and apple pie before, during or after the walks.

But when we emerged from the tourist office, ready for a walk it was sleeting and we gave up the idea. Axel parked himself in a coffee shop named after either the goat or the goat herder in Ethiopia who discovered coffee. The shop owner was surprised we knew the story behind the name Kaldi. He was even more surprised that Kaldi coffee houses exist in Ethiopia, clearly not aware that such names need to be copywrighted. I suspect Kaldi/Oldenzaal came after Kaldi/Addis Abeba.

While Axel was enjoying the aromas and taste of the Kaldi coffee I spent hours in a nearby store that caters to knitters, quilters, embroiderers and such. I was in seventh heaven and heaped all sorts of stuff I wanted to buy on an empty counter, joined Axel for a coffee and then took him back to help me choose and keep costs somewhat down.

We had a lovely lunch of pea soup and salmon/shrimp, escaping from the nasty weather, and visited one of the musea in town, an old house, well preserved and donated by the last living relative to the historical society of the town. We glimpsed into 17th century Holland, its treasures of beautiful handicrafts alongside machines of brutal torture (and justice).

Back home we had some quiet time, talked with Tessa before the nieces and nephews and friends descended on us. They served us herring and eel while they cooked a great dinner, then washed up, and let me get on with my (new) knitting. Others took care of the final touches to the 60th birthday lunch tomorrow. There is the kind of excitement that comes with the night before Christmas. All is well and quiet now, even the weather calmed down a bit.