Den Haag

WE HAVE SUN!! I understand that at home you have had many a day of sun but for Luke and I this is something that we haven't seen in a while so to have a day again in the sun was exciting. We got a schmorgus board of food for breakfast from the B&B which is awesome so we were well fed, and well caffeinated and ready to start the day. 

The B&B conveniently had four bikes that we were able to use. The bike paths are amazing, although it is kind of scary figuring out if cars stop for you, especially as other bikes don't, even when walking. Bikes have the right of way here unless otherwise posted, or at least that is what it appears to be. Apparently scooters here are allowed to drive on the bike paths which is bizarre, but cool as it is a separate road way at some points. 

 

We made our way to the beach, beautiful sand and many, many shells. Shells upon shells upon shells. You walk and at some points it crunches underneath of your feet. It is a little sad when you think of all of these pretty she'll that are being destroyed beneath your feet. 

As we were walking on the boardwalk we came across a mermaid stick your face in thing. So naturally I had to do it. Especially cause I made Luke do all the ones in mini Europe. This is what I would look like if I was a mermaid.  Although if I was a mermaid, hopefully you would be able to see my pupils as then I wouldn't look so creepy. Yes I sang little mermaid, to myself, after this. Although later I sang beauty and the beast out loud. 

 

We walked a long way on the beach and ended up walking past a food Boulevard, which is literally an assortment of foods that you could eat, with these funny little statues that are actually quite cute and awesome doing a number of different things. Including being eaten by a whale, hanging themselves, tying up a horse it is great. Including this awesome guy eating a herring. Arent they are great! 

 

 

We walked along and then onto the pier. The closer to the water you got the colder it got, which at first was alright but then got a little chilly, wind is pretty strong here, especially by the water, but even as we were biking along there was a chilly breeze in the air. 

 

 

 

We even ran across this memorial for all the sailors and people, that have gone out to see and have not returned. Very sad to see all the flowers that were around it. it it is one of those things you don't really think about till you see something like this, then you realize that there are many people that this is very real to. Flowers were very beautiful though, There is one leaning against the statue that is flowers in a heart, pretty but sad at the same time. 

 

Part of our breakfast we were able to make into lunch. AND guess what!! Gluten VRIJI (free) strop waffle, which was delicious! Mind you it wasn't really the real thing as it didn't have a filly in it and it was more of a cookie, but hey I won't complain it was great and I could eat it! But we were able to have a lunch on the pier with what we had leftover from breakfast and adding a drink we purchased as well as fries! And croquettes for the gang. Yea we are the Havinga gang :) that's right I'm a Havinga! Somehow this is still a novelty as when I see my name it always brings a smile to my face. Mostly cause I forget that it is actually me so HA there's that. 

Also as we were riding our bikes we noticed the bike path is a red colour. Karin said that it is her friend as she knows she won't get hit by a car and knows where to go just following the path. Luke interpreted this as the group representing blood, and due to the fact there was so much going on that 'it's not a wonder the bike path is red', because of the many accidents that have probably occurred, and will continue to occur.

We have also learned very quickly our roles that we play and the reason that each of us were invited on our trip. 

Len: Mr. Chauffeur, sometimes leader when biking

Luke: Directioner, sometimes leader when biking

Karin: Translator, ALWAYS

Lindsay: The scribe :) and I remember where random things are located and can get us there magically 

It is great that we know this right off the bat as this will make the week a little smoother. AKA I don't have to drive, give directions, or have to figure the language out. So really I have the best deal I would say. But SHH don't tell them that. 

 

 

 

From the beach we made our way back home, but we went a different way and a longer way, past a park and through some of the streets that were thankfully for bikes only, even though they are lined with cars. We stopped to see the Peace Palace. Very cool place. They also have a bench that has the word peace in multiple different languages going all around.

 

The have a World Peace Flame, that 190 countries contributed a rock to, that they have all lined up around it.

 

After the palace we came home and locked the bikes back up and headed for some ice cream, which was extra delicious on such a warm day. We went on a walk through the neighbourhood and eventually landed back at home where we ended up resting for a bit before finding some food. 

On the way to the restaurant mid sentence I noticed a cat hiding between the bikes and the wall, this absolutely terrified me and I almost literally jumped into Lens arms, Luke noticing this reached out and grabbed my arms as well. This for me was a terrifying moment that brought tears to my eyes first out of fear then out of embarrassment. Walking away ashamed, Luke told me that the cat was totally chill till I freaked out then I scared it. But I would disagree. He only noticed a split second before me which is why I had his arms somehow in the mix in the end as well. Well all cards on the table now. They had a few experiences with birds but really nothing major. The cat was absolutely terrifying.

Once our bellies were full, we headed back made some coffee and started to play Rummi. So I would say we have had both a great day and a relaxing evening. Now we shall head to bed. I must update you on the sleeping situation. I didn't mention but in Brussels we had square pillows again, but at least they weren't cardboard, they had some fluff to them. The Bed at this place is great! 

Here's why. First of all, it is a king size bed, Luke loves this as he isn't a cuddled, where as I will crash and fall asleep so fast if his arm is around me. He also radiates heat which is cozy for me, evidently it means he can't sleep as he burns up. As Chandler learned on Friends the hug and roll works great for Luke. Plus, he also loves that he doesn't have to touch me all night along unless he wants to. I love this fact as Luke loves to sleep with his elbows up, so I have on a number of occasions during our single year of marriage woke up to an elbow to the face, or rolling into his elbow. I feel I have maybe mentioned seconds and thirds in here, so next this is great because our feet don't hang off the bed! Our pillows are comfy here, I would say they are halfway to what my preference is, and half way to Luke's preference. Even though he for some reason loves the square pillows. But these pillows are fatter in width, but the same length as a normal pillow. But they aren't a square or a rectangle. Somehow they are in between, but a great place!

Also this just in, a passenger train crashed into a goods and services train going at high speeds att 11pm last night. Luke is literally reading the article as I write this, but 3 have died and 9 are injured. So we continue to be blessed with the protection of God. Which we are always praying for, as we know many of you are. So thank you. 

We had an awesome day today, and are looking forward to our next destination tomorrow. 

 

And so the adventure continues...