From Familiar Ground to Unknown Shores

Ever since stepping off the plane some five weeks ago, there are some aromas that will always remind me of the Netherlands.

A Dutch goodie basket greeted me as I walked into my bedroom, yep, I have been really blessed. spoilt from day one!

This has been a journey filled with new discoveries and some surprises, like learning the aroma coming from coffeeshops certainly is not coffee! No, it's the pungent sweet scent of a once-forbidden substance, Durban Poison as it's known in my hometown. I told you all about that when I shared how it smells like Amsterdam.

Coffee is very good, and served in cafés, coffee trucks or coffee bikes, but I've been surprised that although the coffee is excellent, most Dutch cafés do not bother much about Latte art in the foam. This cup was the only one I've seen so far, and we've been to many coffeeshops cafés

I've really been enjoying the fabulous baked goods; ginger apple tartlet, and a berry tartlet.

Cinnamon is another aroma that hangs in the air of bakeries or food stands - Apple Pie, Pancakes, Poffertjies, Stroopwafels, Oliebollen; what else? Cookies, cereal, candy, an endless list.

I've been living in a cocoon away from the real world for the past five weeks while being spoilt by my son and his gal in their newly adopted country.

What has been the worst year of my life with many Unforseen Twists in Life's Journey, has been put on hold as we've been running traveling between beautiful small towns and cities, all a mix of historic to ultra-modern architecture.

Flying solo is something I will have to get used to, and this trip has shown me that it is possible; making new memories as well as the support of my precious family, and friends, some of them right here in Hive.

The big hole in my life however will always be there!

Back to new flavours, and new experiences, as well as some that are familiar.
The first home-cooked meal I had was Stamppot and Rookworst (Smoked Sausage), an authentic Dutch dish, real comfort food for cold winter nights. This dish is a combination of mashed veggies: potatoes, and other vegetables like spinach, carrots, kale, Sauerkraut, or turnips.

Did I tell you the Dutch vegetables and fruit are simply amazing?

Many of my Hive friends know I love cooking, and it's been a bit of a learning curve cooking here. I've never seen Red Currants in our stores back home and learnt it is full of health benefits, so natural yogurt and red currants became my favourite start to the day, but not until I've had my morning cup of coffee!

Would you believe these are tomatoes? I've never seen any tomatoes like these - some call them mushroom basket tomatoes. I used it to make a simple breakfast Omelette, but they're also excellent for sandwiches.

I have been trying to spoil the kiddos now and then with some old favourites using familiar ingredients, like home made pies for the freezer, and South African Rusks - similar to Biscotti, but not as sweet, more crunchy, and best when dunked into a cup of strong coffee.

The one thing my son misses is our meat, which is way better, as well as more affordable. Their fish is excellent though and as I'm not big on meat, I am quite happy eating more fish or vegetarian dishes, like these Spinach, Mushroom and smoked Cheese Quiches.
Dutch Cheese of course is the best, and that is another food I'm going to miss when back home.

I've been very impressed with the pumpkin displays and the different variants available in their local supermarket.

As my time in this wonderful country is almost at an end, I find myself looking back, remembering all the new experiences.

One that I'm super excited about is happening tonight, as my son and I will be attending a concert in Amsterdam to see one of my favourite musicians.

The ease of public transport, only five minutes away from our doorstep, and that we can attend this concert in the evening with public transport, still amazes me.

I will miss my little room-with-a-view, but leave the Netherlands with a heart full of thanks to my son and his special gal for the privilege of experiencing this unique corner of the world where I have felt at home from day one.
No wonder as some of my ancestors hail from here and other regions in Europe!

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Original Content by @lizelle
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