Today, was Marcel's mums once-a-year family day. She has three brothers and 3 sisters living in the Netherlands. This year the family, with their children's families, gathered in the town of Arnhem right next to the Rhine River. People might recall the description 'the bridge too far' from the last year of World War 2, when the Allies were advancing on Germany, this bridge is in Arnhem.

In order to squeeze in some sight-seeing we left the house just before 7am. A tram to Zoid Station then train to Utrecht where we had a change over, then onto Arnhem. We got there about 8.30am and had about 2 hours to kill before meeting up with the family later in the morning. Getting off the train we walked down to the Rhine River for a stroll along the banks with all the cafes and restaurants. At that time in the morning there was hardly anyone around ~ that was a treat!

We walked up to 'the bridge too far' (seen above) and then into the town square and the Saturday market. For this Aussie girl it's bizarre to think that this market has probably been happening in the townsquare for hundreds of years!

At 10am the doors of the Square church opened and we checked out the incredible views from the top of the tower ~ that was really awesome!

At 11.30 we were greeted warmly by the family at the Open Air Museum on a warm, sunny Autumn day. A good feeling to put faces to names and having those get-to-know-you chats! The rest of the day was spent having coffee together, meeting up in smaller family groups and as one huge group, checking out the museum, more chats, eating, doing some craft with the children, more chats, dinner at a nearby restraunt and more talking.

Michael doing some craft 

Marcel "trying" to ride an older style bicycle!

Some of Marcel's aunts and an uncle!

We got home around 9.30 that night and fell into bed exhausted but happyt.