Day 'Ten: Nijmegen, Aachen, Dan Haag- Oh My!

   The past few days have been incredibily crazy and each day blurs into the next, so I apologize in advance if I bounce around a lot today. I also apologize for not posting for so long, but I have been so busy that by the time I get home at night I can't even keep my eyes open.
   On Tuesday, at least I'm pretty sure it was Tuesday, we went to a town not far from Arnhem called Nijmegen. I'd say it was about a 15 minute train ride. In Nijmegen we shopped around at the Open-Air Market. In short it is pretty much a bunch of little stands with discounted clothing, shoes, and accessories. Further down the road they also had vegetables, meat, and fish! I did end up buying quite a bit- a nice blouse and some boots from the market and a dress and leggings from H&M. We also went to an area that used to have a castle. I'm not very rehearsed in the story, but this is what I understand from the story from Uncle Jerry. Some British, Polish, Canadian, and American Airborne Troops in Arnhem waiting for the tanks and such as they were trying to take the bridges during WWII. However, the tanks they were waiting for could not make it very far past Nijmegen to Arnhem. Because of this, many of the troops that were in Arnhem had to sneak across the river here and into Nijmegen and many were captured or killed. Also, the town of Arnhem was also bombed by first American planes then German planes. So in short the made it across the Wall River but could not make it to the Rhine. Hopefully I got that at least mainly correct! We also ate at a little pub in town. The food was quite delicious and the customer service wasn't as bad as I had heard it could be over here, even though I never got a refill on my water. I ate a Tosti Paul, which Aunt Mieke explained is very similar to a panini with chicken, cheese, and spices. I quite enjoyed myself!
   Aachen was a very early day. Thankfully we drove there which means I got to sleep in the car on the way. We went to Charlamagne's church. It was so beautiful! The ceilings had designs made from tiny squares made of gold and such. The pictures I took in no way compares to seeing it in person! We then went and ate at a place called Hansworst or what-not. I got to eat my first authentic German brat and tasted some of Uncle Jerry's German beer. The brat was delicious, the beer not so much. Then it was home and Brianna and I went over to Lis's for a relaxing night of nothing.
   Yesterday we went to the Open Air Museum in Arnhem. It was so interesting to see Holland from a historical point-of-view. There was so much to see there! It is so shocking to think of how young America actually is compared to the places in Europe. They even had people acting the parts of some of the people from that time period. After a few hours there, we came back and Brianna and I went back Lis's for another delicious dinner.
  Today we went to Dan Haag, Aunt Mieke's hometown. We visited an art museum and Holland's version of the White House. I was shocked that some of the paintings in the museum actually looked like photographs until you got closer. It was so neat! We met up with one of Aunt Mieke's childhood friends and went to McDonalds. Yes, very original I know. Their mediums were the size of our smalls! I won't complain though because I could actually finish my whole meal for once. We then went to the beach. The wind was crazy! I swear it could have blown me over! We gathered some sea shells, and watched the waves. Due to the salt and such the waves formed foam which would wash over the beach. I have never seen that at Virginia Beach or on the Gulf of Mexico. After some time we came back home. Now it is simply a relaxing night. Tomorrow we are planning on going to another Open Air Market and then going out with Joey and some of his friends. Therefore, I am definitely going to try to catch up on some sleep tonight.
   I can't believe my trip is drawing to an end, and it is actually making me very sad. I love the country and I feel like just another member of the family here. I do miss my family and friends terribly though so I am ready to be home. Just a few more days left in Holland and then I will be back in the States. See you all very soon!
     XOXO