A Roadtrip to Hoofddorp

Last Wednesday we left for the flat in Hoofddorp, Holland. It was a 4.5 hour drive straight west from our home here. I almost couldn't believe we all managed to survive in the Mercedes Vito with three small kids, four adults, a "laufrad" (small kids bike), a scooter, appropriate luggage, and two mattresses. Woah. I made the kids some lunch from sandwiches of fresh homemade hummus, vollkorn (whole wheat) bread and sprouts, and a few pieces of fruit. This bought us some time when things got a little uncomfortable. And, when those ran out, we were lucky Cords computer had a decent battery and the kids could watch this German childrens cartoon Tomte Tummetott - a Gnome.
The foyer of the apartment in Holland.

After you walk in there is a small bathroom to your right in the hallway. It is the only toilet in the apartment. Not the only bathroom. There is another bathroom upstairs but this one is only for showering. Look how little this sink is. In case you cannot tell is is not any deeper than from your wrist to the tip of your middle finger.

Once you walk through the hallway you come to the spiral staircase (Daniel loved this as he has always told me he wants one in our house someday) on your right and another door leading to the kitchen/living room space on your left.

This was a really nice kitchen with beautiful stone countertops and a gas range. I loved cooking in it.

More of the livingroom and a view of the balcony.

A nice fireplace and tv for roudy-kid entertainment.

Once you are upstairs there were three bedrooms, all quite large, and a bathroom. This is our view of the neighbors gardens below us.

Our view from our bedroom window. Looking left...

looking center...

looking right. In the far corner is part of the small canal that runs along the apartments and directly behind us is a long path for sports activities or a quick walk to the local bus station.

After going up the spiral staircase...

Directly accross the stairs is the main bathroom with the shower, and washer/dryer units.

Most of the buildings in Haarlem/Hoofddorp/Amsterdam have this style of achitecture. It is so beautiful.

Lots of greenery.

Beautiful architecture. Great balconies.

A small street on our way to Zandvoort - the seaside city on the North Sea.