21 and backpacking across Netherlands on a 6 month euro-trip.Had just got off early morning Nijmegen bus outside Groesbeek. Wrong stop though. Now a 5km walk to war cemetery where my great uncle is buried. Hoofing it with backpack on tiny road. Black Mercedes goes by. Screeches to halt. Reverses. (Oh no oh no) Window rolls down. Lovely elderly Dutch couple spotted the little Canada flag on my backpack. I’m literally forced into the car - they drive me to the cemetery. I find my great uncles grave, spend time wandering the grounds with my new acquaintances, they have so many stories. Back in car. Breakfast. Then around to meet their son and his family. They own a hotel. I’m provided that evenings accommodation at no charge. A lovely meal with the whole family. The next day a drive back to Nijmegen.
I’ve never experienced such genuine hospitality as that since.
louddwnunder on April 9th, 2020 at 09:33 UTC »
I adore the bond between Canada and the Netherlands. Every spring in Ottawa is a glorious reminder
sankyu99 on April 9th, 2020 at 09:33 UTC »
A lot of Dutch people chose to settle in Canada during the post war immigration boom for that reason.
We are a stronger country because of the contributions of the Dutch-Canadian community.
Snailspaced on April 9th, 2020 at 12:54 UTC »
21 and backpacking across Netherlands on a 6 month euro-trip.Had just got off early morning Nijmegen bus outside Groesbeek. Wrong stop though. Now a 5km walk to war cemetery where my great uncle is buried. Hoofing it with backpack on tiny road. Black Mercedes goes by. Screeches to halt. Reverses. (Oh no oh no) Window rolls down. Lovely elderly Dutch couple spotted the little Canada flag on my backpack. I’m literally forced into the car - they drive me to the cemetery. I find my great uncles grave, spend time wandering the grounds with my new acquaintances, they have so many stories. Back in car. Breakfast. Then around to meet their son and his family. They own a hotel. I’m provided that evenings accommodation at no charge. A lovely meal with the whole family. The next day a drive back to Nijmegen.
I’ve never experienced such genuine hospitality as that since.