Breda

DAY 1 BREDA:  We met at Amsterdam airport...Our flights arrived early morning within an hour of each other from Dammam and from Calgary.  We took the train to Breda where Keri's heritage dates back to the 1500's.We intend to travel this whole trip by train and by foot.

Lesser know fact: Belgium has the most castles per square kilometre than any other country. The picture of the building with the boat is the Breda Castle.

The most prominent and dominant landmark in Breda is the Grote Kerk Curch. (Our Dear Mother Church) Its 3 attractions inside are 1) The Organ 2) the tombs of 12 members of the royal family and 3) a replica of a weird but popular painting by a Dutch artist, Hieronymus Bosch, entitled The Garden of Earthly Delights.

About the Dutch Royal Family - they descend from a French family called Orange (hence the fascination of this colour by the Dutch) and a German family, Nassau.

Staying at a nice boutique in the heart of town called Bliss. We found there are many young people here due to the fact there are 2 universities in a relatively small city. The streets, pubs (braserie) and restaurants are bustling with the youthful energy in anticipation of Friday night party time.

We went to go eat at a Spanish Tapa place but it was booked. The waiter pointed us a Dutch Tapa Place instead. It was called 't Zusje (sisters), a new popular franchise all over Holland. 28.8€ (can$43) for all you can eat from a menu of 70 items. Unlike North America where they want you in and out of a buffet place. They explain that this is a whole evening experience and should take at least 2 1/2 hours. To avoid waste they only allow you to order 2 items each at a time. It was terrific 5☆ and hope to come back with some kids in the near future.