Nijmegen today

Up early to take the train to Nijmegen. Probably a good day to be indoors. We arrived by 11:00am greeted by Kees and Dineke Breurkens, Norm’s second cousin. Once back at their home they fed us apple cake with whipped cream and tea/coffee. So delicious and an hour later a full lunch of sliced meats, crusty buns, tuna, apple stroop, raisin bread, Gouda cheese and lots of spreads. 

Time for a walk to work off the lunch. It was a little wet out but we were keen to see how Nijmegen changed the flow of the river to prevent further floods.

We crossed the bike/walking/train bridge, just above their heads in the photo. Nijmegen took over some farm lands and houses to build a new channel so when the river got too high, the excess water found a way to escape and not flood the land. Strong opposition at first but now it is well received and has become a place for families to enjoy. Looking from the bridge you can see Nijmegen across the Maas River, part of the Rhine system.

Even through the grey skies you can see river cruise boats getting ready to continue their journey 

You don’t see too many on the deck.

As we walked along the new green spaces, the town has placed art pieces. A tiny house on a stump?

Really interesting was the mask…..

Now look at the close up. 

Fascinating. We now walked back to Nijmegen across a different bridge for people and cars.

Again through the clouds you can see Nijmegen and the first bridge we crossed. 

The weather got a bit better as we headed home. 

Yellow Bunny didn’t mind the rain nor this police man.

A little rest and now more food! Dinner started with an African Pumpkin soup.

I ate half before I thought to take a photo. The main course was a lasagna like dish of sliced potatoes, ground beef, tomatoes, zucchini, spices and topped with cheese. A perfect hot dish for a cold and wet day.

And to finish it off, mango, caramel sauce, crushed biscotti and yogurt dessert!! 

Great hospitality. Back to Amsterdam tomorrow.