Health & Safety

After nearly three years of living in the Netherlands I should be pretty au fait now with the Dutch psyche. I know, for example, that when the sun comes out - the Dutch stop whatever they are doing and grab some rays. There are plenty of dull moments over here and you have to make the most of that sunshine when you see it. Wednesday saw us on the beach with everyone else who was skipping off work early, overdressed I might add, in our shorts and T-shirts (why hadn't I thought to bring my bikini?) and Thursday it was back to coat, jeans, scarf and boots.

At least I’m ending my stay here on a high. The forecast for my final week in the Netherlands is warm and sunny.  

With the improvements in the weather Mr T and I have taken the opportunity to explore new areas of Den Haag. We finally made it to the Zuiderpark, a huge area of greenery in the south of the city, which besides several lakes and ornamental gardens, is also home to another ubiquitous Dutch deer park as well as an urban farm/nature reserve.  Also spotted in the Zuiderpark was Dutch dad teaching child to cycle down steps, despite child’s wailing protest (why would you?) The only saving grace was at least the child was wearing a helmet - not an every day sight over here. The Dutch are great risk takers. I still wince every time a parent cycles past me with a baby strapped to their chest, but that's what they do.

And talking of taking risks, choosing a chef’s ‘surprise’ menu when eating out makes for a decision free evening. We've done it before and not been disappointed. This time, after being asked if we had any allergens, Mr T did reply that although we were allergy free there were certain foods we did not like. Such as? asked the waiter. Knowing how much the Dutch love their carpaccios I had the good sense to hastily reply, Raw Meat. Well that was the ‘surprise’ starter rumbled but the waiter hurried away and confirmed that we could have a fish based first course instead. Phew! But the tastiest course in the whole evening - a very posh bitterball in asperagus veloute. Yes, I said, a bitterball. I'm finally going native!

To coincide with my last weekend, and not to celebrate my departure,  Mr T’s work had organised a family day out a medieval castle where we could partake in the olde worlde activities of sword fighting and jousting, and more total Dutch disregard for health and safety. For avid fans of Games of Thrones like me this was the ideal opportunity to show off my inner Arya Stark. (As it turns out I’m not bad with a crossbow but I’m pretty useless with a sword). For Mr T's Dutch work colleagues it was the ideal opportunity for them to demonstrate what they really thought of their overseas counterparts with a spot of one on one combat. Fortunately, Mr T didn't need stitches. 

The day was rounded off with a falconry display. Why wouldn't you want a vulture with claws the size of your hand wandering loose amongst the crowd? 

Back in the safety of town our feathered neighbours are far more docile, and celebrating the birth of quins.