Visiting Efteling

 We got up early and headed to the Efteling amusement park. We were so excited because this park is based on various Dutch fairy tales and was meant to be really good. When we arrived there was almost no queue to get it, the first of many contrasts with our Disney experience. The queues had fun activities to play on including the whoopy cushion piano. We enjoyed the food which was a mix of Dutch items and more typical fare, but all quite reasonably priced. Everything was really well thought out and designed to incorporate nature into it. The kids enjoyed the playground while the bigger kids and adults got to ride the big roller coaster which EV couldn't ride. She did get to go with us on the super big wooden coaster which was quite fast and included too cars going simultaneously while having a race. Really fun. 

Farm stay in Efteling

We arrived into the Netherlands at our accommodation which was on a bit of a farm. Our nearest neighbours were horses and a couple of cats. It was quite a nice place and the girls of course loved the trampoline and the animals. Being surrounded by farmland and trees, and having quiet was very nice. Watching hot air balloons float by was pretty cool too.

Leaving Hamburg

 Far too soon we had to hit the road again and say good bye to Hamburg and our friends, as usual wishing for more time. As we headed out on the autobahn we found a geocache near a lovely little stream and stopped to find it. We also then stopped at a roadside stop for a little play and stretch for the girls while we tried to sign them up for school.

Park and cocktails

 We again caught up with Auntie Julika, but this time in the park. The kids enjoyed playing with her family and getting an ice cream of course. The park was really big and several different areas for the kids to play in. There were various structures to play on too. Afterwards we headed to Julika's house for a bbq dinner and a couple of drinks. It was such a pleasant way to spend the late afternoon and evening. On the way home we caught one of Hamburg's cool minibus type taxis which pick up and drop off people along the way.