Europe Spring 2025 - Day 1

After an 11-hour flight from San Francisco, we landed in Copenhagen for a layover on our way to the Netherlands. I made a beeline for an airport café because I’ve heard great things about the cinnamon and cardamom buns in Denmark. I had a delicious cappuccino and cinnamon bun in the sun. I noticed the fashion right away—those Scandinavians are stylish! A far cry from the sweats and sneakers in the U.S.—more blazers and trench coats. I got inspired to step up my wardrobe game when I return home. Then we had a short 1.5-hour flight to Amsterdam, where Roel’s parents were waiting for us. After more than two years since seeing them, it was a fun reunion. We were whisked away in Gerbrand’s car down to Schiedam, a suburb of Rotterdam about an hour away. When we arrived, they set out three different types of cheese with crackers, red wine, and ginger tea. We stayed up for a while, chatting and catching up.

In the morning, Roel’s parents had a decadent breakfast waiting for us. The spread included croissants, several different types of fresh bread, more cheese, boiled eggs, cheese spread, chocolate sprinkles, and fresh strawberries. Not to mention the double espressos—much needed to combat the jet lag! After breakfast, we set out with Gerbrand for a walk around Schiedam. We passed by a few different houses they lived in when Roel was growing up, two different schools Roel attended, and the main square of Schiedam, where we stopped at a café. Did I mention the weather was incredible? With blue skies, sun, and a high of 72 Fahrenheit, Roel’s parents said it was the most beautiful day of the year so far. We brought good weather with us! I love sitting at outdoor cafés surrounded by cobblestone streets, old buildings, and ancient churches.

I casually mentioned to Gerbrand that I had seen a cool video about these giant storm walls in Holland that block off any storm surges from the North Sea to protect against flooding. Roel’s dad said, “Let’s go!” I thought it was a short walk away, but apparently not. We walked home, then hopped in the car, and after a 30-minute drive, we were at the Hoek van Holland, which means the “Corner of Holland.” It’s where the North Sea meets the major canal into the port of Rotterdam, a heavily used shipping lane. We got to see the giant arms that, in case of emergency, can close off the sea and protect millions of people from flooding. It's called the "Maeslantkering" After the major flood in the 1950s, they said, “Never again.”

After a few more stops—to see Roel’s brother Niek’s new house, to get a book signed by a famous author that Roel’s dad wanted as a present for a friend, and another stop at one of Roel’s old schools—it was time for dinner. We picked up Niek and drove into Rotterdam, into a large forested park nearby, where we ate at a pancake house. It was a pancake house in the forest, fit for gnomes, elves, and fairies. I had a pancake with sun-dried tomatoes, burrata, and arugula. They had many savory options as well as sweet ones. It was so fun to be all together. Tomorrow morning, Roel’s dad will take us early to catch our flight to Basel, Switzerland. Sunday, Niek leaves for Shanghai, where he will be working on setting up a wushu competition. We will see Roel’s parents again in a week, after our travels, and spend two more nights with them. It was a great day with family. How wonderful to have loving family on the other side of the world where we feel so welcome!