GRETTLE MAKES IT TO HOLLAND

GRETTLE MAKES IT TO HOLLAND – 27TH APRIL

So i have little time before setting off for Brussels in Belgium, but i am pleased to announce that despite all expectation, Grettle did not breakdown in Dover, and the two of us (three including Travel Frog) have successfully made it from Calais to Amersfoort, in the north of Holland. I am staying with an old friend of mine, Carien, who i met in Srilanka at the age of 19. I arrived two days ago and met the family for Carien's 51st birthday celebrations. I will be setting off to Brussels in a jiffy to see an old school friend, Jutta.
It has taken rather a few too many hoots, wrong side of the road driving, and a fair few disapproving looks as Grettle battled the lorries on the French, Belgium, and Dutch motorways, but we have made it in one piece and live to tell the tale!
I spent the first night camping in a field on route to Dover, and plan to spend my second night somewhere between here and Brussels.
Grettle is in her element here, Holland is a super place to drive a scooter; mopeds are allowed on the bicycle routes, and riders need not wear a helmet...memories of India spring to mind, only with fewer cows and colder weather! When i tire of the motorway, i sidle off a slip road and scoot peacefully on walkways and cycle routes- fabulous fun!
Carien took one look at me and equipped me with a new pair of shoes and a jumper, so i am all set to go and will hopefully have a warmer drive for this next leg of the journey than i have done so far. I am heading for Austria to see a friend in Salzburg and hope to arrive there in a week or 2.
It is Kings day in Holland today so everyone is wearing bright orange and many festivals are happening through the streets, so i imagine i will have an interesting drive south!
Until next time, Adios X