What a refreshing visit I had today to Haarlem which is just
outside of Amsterdam. A beautiful combination of narrow streets and the fantastic
building style of the Dutch and you get a wonderful city.
I was on a field trip with a group from Laar en Berg and we
were going to the Frans Hals museum which is in Haarlem. I’m not a art nut but
I was able to appreciate some of the art and some of the things our guide told
us, as yes the tour was in Dutch. I find it hard enough to understand a
friendly chat in Dutch but when the person is going on about the aspects of a
painting my concentration was as far off as van Gogh’s right ear. But on the
whole it was interesting, especially when we go to dress up like some olden
time Dutch people like from one of the paintings. 
We then got a walking tour of Haarlem which was my favourite
part of the day even though it was by the same guide and in the same language
as the tour in the art museum. I really thought it was an attractive city. We
went into small courtyards in between some of the houses and where greeted by
very good-looking gardens and lots of cats. 
This city means something to me, not just because of its
great layout and looks but because my Opa and Oma got married in the enormous
church which lies in the city centre. Although sadly this was a bit before my
time, it still means a lot to have visited a place that has so much family
value.
Haarlem is a wonderful city and is just like Amsterdam
except without the many canals, foreigners and prostitutes.
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