Botticelli's Musings: Spakenburg and Utrecht

We spent a lovely day and evening with the de Kuyper family. They visited Wellington last year when son, Martijn, was playing hockey for Victoria University in Wellington's premier hockey division for about 6 months. Martijn is a great mate of mine and it was fantastic to catch up with him again.

The de Kuyper family name was made famous through de Kuyper liquers that grace the shelves of most bars around the world. A regular feature of last season was Martijn buying a round of these crazy looking drinks (consisting of a combination of de Kuypers) that would put one over the edge. I learnt to do the Houdini act and disappear when it was observed he was making his way to the bar!

Martijn is very much loved by his family and this shows through everything that he does. For instance, this weekend he will line up at Center Midfield against Rotterdam in the Dutch Hockey League, which is the best in the World (most of the best players in the World are playing in Holland, including Aussies and Kiwis). As a result he is having to do hockey training twice a day in the lead up to the season and has a strict diet and is very focused! He is also taking after his father, Remy, and will soon commence a career in internationl business, most likely working out of Hong Kong. The Dutch have a long history of international trading - this is reflected by the country's affluence.

We arrived in at the de Kuyper's home in Bilthoven, one of Hollands most affluent towns, at around lunch time. Nadine and I were struck by the beauty of the tree lined streets and the grand style of the mansions. We were immediately welcomed by Remy and Annelien, just like old friends. The de Kuypers are our Dutch family, and there is a strong bond we intend to nurture. Martijn and I are already talking about taking golfing holidays together with our wives and families!

David, Annelien, Nadine & Remy

The de Kuyper house

de Kuyper street, Bilthoven

After a wonderful explanation from Remy about the Netherland's topography and water management infrastructure, which is incredible! We were then whisked off to Spakenburg, an old fishing village where people still walk around in traditional dress. I must admit, modern dress is far more appealing to me! We took a tour of the fishing museum, which showed among other things how the people used to sleep. Their beds were built into the wall (presumably for warmth) and were only about four foot long, which meant they had to sleep sitting up. This was intended as they believed that if they lay down the blood would go to their heads and this would lead to health problems!!

David & Martijn back to school

Traditional boats at Spakenburg

Traditional dress in Spakenburg

Spakenburg family bed

We then went to a traditional windmill, built in the 1800s but refurbished in 2007. The engineering and resourcefulness of the build is unbelievable. The Dutch are brilliant and creative engineers - this is evident all over the country. The windmill was run by a volunteer miller and the cost of the refurbishment was covered by private doners. The Dutch have a high regard for their history and work hard to maintain the customs and traditions.

Windmill for grain in Spakenburg

We met up with Thijs and had dinner together, after which we went into Utrecht, principally a university town. Talk about romantic! Nadine said it reminded her of parts of Venice and it was a place that a couple could stroll around for hours hand in hand. The centre consists of canals lined by old mansions and students gracefully rolling about on bicycles. If I had my time again, this is where I would choose to study. We played out the evening sitting in the square enjoying the ambiance and talking international trade and business.