Koen and me in Gouda on the steps of the Old City Hall
At the end of my parents’ visit in May, we had to visit Arie and Petra! After eating a delicious lunch, we were surprised with a trip to Gouda! I think most Americans know Gouda because of the cheese with the same name, but Gouda is also famous for its stroopwafels, a particular favorite of my dad’s and mine. While in Gouda, we made our own stroopwafels! What a wonderful, wonderful day full of surprises and treats!
In Delft, with the Oude Kerk in view!
Ever since Koen and I have been together, almost 8 years ago, my mother has been dying to make a day trip to Delft in the Netherlands. Now we’ve finally made it happen! Delft is a picture perfect Dutch city known for it’s blue and white china and the painter Johannes Vermeer (Girl with a Pearl Earring). We enjoyed a wonderful day walking along the canals, lunch at ‘t Vermeertje, exploring De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles (Royal Delft, the only remaining factory of the 32 earthenware factories that were established in Delft during the 17th century), and sampling the awardwinning Dutch pannenkoeken (pancakes) from Stads-Koffyhuis.
Before visiting the brewery, lunch at ‘t Zoete Genot
While my parents were over, Dook (my father-in-law) took us to Arcen, Netherlands to visit the Hertog Jan brewery. Arcen is a beautiful village in the Dutch province of Limburg. Before visiting the brewery, we stopped for lunch in the center of the village at ‘t Zoete Genot. White asparagus is eaten from late April to June, so May is the perfect time to enjoy the asparagus. In the Netherlands, there are two areas where white asparagus is grown, one of them being Limburg. Because of our proximity to the asparagus fields, we enjoyed a delicious, fresh white asparagus themed lunch!
The whole group: Dad, Mom, Hannah, Chris, Koen and me with the Dutch flag in Rotterdam
Family photo at the Hofvijver!
Since I have met Koen, I have always wanted to visit The Hague! For one reason or another, every plan we’ve made to visit has fallen through…until now! The Hague is such a beautiful city, and I can’t wait to go back. There is so much still to see! With my parent in May, we were able to see the city, but next time I’ll be going to the Escher Museum, Peace Palace, and Mauritshuis (if it’s open!).
Lodge Visdonk
To celebrate Koen’s new job, Koen’s parents took us out to the newest restaurant in Roosendaal, Lodge Visdonk. I really enjoyed the Twin Peaks atmosphere and a delicious lunch!
Sofie and me arriving by train in Roosendaal, waiting to be picked up so we can make our way to Vlissingen!
Tipies Wijncafé set up and ready to go!
Last weekend Koen and I helped out with his father’s wine tasting event – the Tipies Wijncafé (Teepee Wine Café). It was a join venture with my father-in-law’s Grand Vin and one of the Brörmann’s favorite restaurants Het Hooihuis. This is the second time Grand Vin has hosted a wine tasting at Het Hooihuis and we had beautiful sunny weather and a great turnout! Special for the warm weather, Grand Vin debuted its new Rosé and Rosé Spumante. I especially enjoyed the spumante all afternoon! To pair with the wine, Het Hooihuis created a special menu including oysters, burgers, and white asparagus soup. Yum!
Antwerp Central Train Station – On my way to Tilburg!
A couple of weeks ago Koen had a few friends over for a boys’ night, so I asked my sister-in-law Barbara if I could come visit her in Tilburg. We had a fun girls’ night with ice cream and cocktails!
I know it’s a bit late for a Christmas post, but I can be a bit lazy when there are a lot of photos involved!
Because we exchange gifts with Sinterklaas, we celebrate Christmas with a big dinner and everyone prepares a course!
Koen and me in our Christmas clothes!
An American in Antwerp 