Day Four - Haarlem (meeting Ingrid's Aunty)

Ingrid was very apprehensive about meeting (for the first time) her father's sister. The word was that she was very "proper" and from the "proper" side of town. From the station, we walked to her house. She wasn't expecting us due to a communication breakdown (she has no phone). Our visit conflicted with the arrival of one of her old friend. Oops.

After that, it took a while to break the ice but it got better. She told some fascinating stories about the family history and evading the Germans during the war. Her aunty then suggested we have lunch with her and she would show us around. She's 88 years old, so we were a bit concerned that she might be unable to get around very well. We needent have worried. She kept up a cracking pace, only stopping frequently to show us where the family grew up and to ask if we want more food. We committed many faux pas such as:

• Not eating enough
• Being married to someone who doesn't speak Dutch
• Not eating enough
• Having tea with milk
• Not Eating enough
• Being tired or pale

It was a fantastic day Tante Agnus is a generous and interesting lady and a great tour guide. Haarlem is a beautiful place. The main cathedral is about 700 years old and has an organ over one hundred feet tall. Apparently Mozart really liked it.

We stayed in a B&B at 40 Raamsingel. It was cheaper than other accommodation at 60 euros, but very comfortable and well equipped. The only drawback was the 30 minute walk from the station - but that's part of the fun.