One Year In Holland

One full year in Holland

Just about 1 year ago (OK, 1 year and 2 weeks), I flew into Amsterdam airport to begin my sojourn in the Netherlands. I arrived with much trepidation, but Rob and his familymet me with much needed love and support on my part. My family and friends were an ocean away, everything I owned except for a suitcase of clothes was crossing the ocean in a cargo container, I could barely say “Hello, do you speak English” in Dutch, and had just quit my US job to study Dutch for 6 months then see how employable I was here. …And what occurred over these last 12 months?

My first month here was more of an extended vacation. The Kapteins welcomed me with a 4-day trip in a holiday cottage, with sailing and sight seeing in the beautiful July weather. Then Rob and I went on a 2-week trip to the UK, seeing Stone Henge, Bath, Salisbury and many wonderful sights. There can be worse ways to start my time here!

My dutch class


After all those vacations, I settled down to being a student again after many years out of the classroom. I met a great group of people from all over the world in my Dutch language course, and of course learned to speak basic Dutch. By the end of the course in December, I could order food and shop in Dutch, hold basic conversations, and read at about an 8-9 year old reading level.
Holland Wedding Reception


Laurie, Mom and Dad in Amsterdam


Rob and I celebrated a second wedding party in a real medieval castle here in October. I was happily re-united with my parents and Jeremy for the celebration.

Granada Castle, Spain

New Years celebration with Kapteins

1-year anniversary in Paris



I then went on even more vacations – a week long trip to Spain with Rob in late December, New Years in am Dutch manor house with the Kapteins and family friends, then back to California to visit everyone in January. In February, Rob and I celebrated our 1-year anniversary in Paris (where else!)
Official Dutch driver


Back in Holland after my second round of vacations, I settled down to “life after school”. I passed my Dutch driving test (not an easy feat in a stick shift!) Attempting to find the right job, I interviewed at a number of companies before accepting an offer at Bank Artesia in the heart of Amsterdam in early March.

Flieders and Kapteins in Epidourous, Greece


Laurie and Sarah in Keukenhof, Netherlands



Between March and July were also very busy months: Rob and I went to Greece with my parents for an incredible 10-day trip in April, then Sarah flew out in May for a week in Holland and 1 in London. (you can never have to many vacations!). Rob accepted a new position closer to Amsterdam and we moved to Rob’s hometown Heemskerk (1/2 hour out of Amsterdam)…

So now it brings me to the start of my second year here – quite a lot happening in just 12 months!! For the blog, this year I want to tell more of my daily life. Moving into our new house, my job, our friends and family and daily activities. Thank everyone for reading my blog this last year. Let me know what you think and what else you would like to read!

Laurie and Sarah in London

After our time here in Holland, Sarah and I jetted off to for to Merry Old England for a week in London.

We stayed in a lovely area right next to Kensington Gardens, about 5 minutes from the tube station.

Sarah at Windsor Castle

One of our sights was Windsor Castle. You can see the living history here, from the oldest part of the castle built in the 11th century to the new memorial for the Queen Mother. Our brochures said we would get to see the changing of the guard, including a parade of arriving new guards and as well as the changing. They must have been lazy that day, because all we saw was the guard pulling up in a minivan and 1 guy replacing the guard. Oh well, as they did extensive repairs and restoration after the terrible fire about 10 years ago, so we got to see all the beautiful baroque ceilings and ornate furniture.

St. Georges Cathedral, Windsor Castle


A close second in favorites was Westminster Cathedral. We signed up for the cathedral tour, which really made us feel like VIPs! We had this happy little elf of a guy as a tour guide (he was about 5’3, and leaped instead of waked everywhere and was REALLY enthusiastic about everything!!). Since we were on the tour, we got to see the gated off original portion of the cathedral, and jump the line ahead of the long line of visitors to see Queen Elizabeth I’s tomb. We even go to set in the roped off seating next to where the Queen sits to observe the ceremonies.

Anne Boleyn re-enactor at Hampton Court

We went our own ways 1 day and each had a wonderful time in our own way. Sarah toured Harrods, toured the sampled the beautiful London fashion and did some of her own shopping. I went to one of Henry VIII’s castles where it was Ren Faire Day!! I saw costumed actors portraying Henry, Katharine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn. They had live dancing (I got to dance with one of Henry’s nobles!!), and toured the restored kitchens to see how medieval cuisine was prepared. I also wandered the Elizabethan gardens and saw the 17th century portion of the castle.

Shakespeare's Globe Theater

We also toured the Globe theatre, built as close to it was in Shakespeare’s time as possible. We opted not to buy a ticket as a “groundling”, where you stand for about 5-6 hours and watch the complete and uncut plays done as they originally were.

We also saw beautiful works of art at the London Gallery (with a great Curator’s choice audio tour describing the highlights). We went to the Tower of London & crown jewels (need any gift ideas Rob??). We saw Princess Diana’s couture gowns at Kensington Palace, and saw some beautiful Regency gowns.

Laurie at Trafalger Square


We also went to see a musical, Fame. You can get last-minutes discounts on musicals and plays in London. We sampled some of the variety of delicious London restaurants. They have great food from all ethnicities – Italian, Mexican, Indian, Pub, Asian Fusion….

Hampton Court Gardens

We had an incredible time, and bid a sad farewell at the end of our wonderful 2 weeks together…until my trip back to LA in October when we can have new adventures.