Just Counting The Days!

I am trying to keep the magic that was South Africa forefront in my mind. Sadly, my mind is becoming cluttered with other things and it is starting to slip away!

There were so many things we saw and did in Africa. And so many things left undone. We seemed to touch briefly on a variety of places once we got to Cape Town. We were unable to give it enough time. It is an incredibly diverse country with much to offer. I feel so fortunate that we were able to go - I hope we have the opportunity to return.

Back 'home' in Amsterdam we have enjoyed visiting our favorite places. Cafe de Prins where we can sit outside along the canal, have lunch and people watch.

We look across at the Anne Frank Huis and comment on the line for the day.

The local market is giving away Snow White and the Seven Dwarf toys this year (last year it was Smurfs as Sean and Ryan know!). I've amused myself by collecting them when I grocery shop.

We wander to the book store for Bob's must read International Herald Tribune.

The clerk recognizes us when we walk in.

The Westerpark has a beautiful display of fall foliage. We were told it is pretty rare. Normally there is a lot of rain in September, the leaves turn brown and fall off. The leaves are very pretty this year.

Sara's Pancake House is a stop we make at least once a week. Sara was incredibly stressed this week handling the entire place alone. (5 employees all out sick) She still found time to ask how our trip to South Africa went. We told her we would be back next week, as always, but this time with visitors. We know she will greet them as warmly as she does us every time we are there.

Today with rain threatening we walked to Spui Street so I could go to Waterstone's and buy books. In the window of the American Bookstore - Americana artifacts including 'Big Boy' from 'Bob's Big Boy'!

There was an artists' market where the book market is normally held on Thursdays. Christmas decorations are being hung. The contrast between the shining lights of the decorations, the fall leaves on the brick walkways and the dark skies was very pretty.

And as we start a new week, tomorrow we will say 'the day after tomorrow - Brian and Jessie arrive.' We are thrilled beyond belief that they have chosen to spend their precious vacation days with us. We are counting the days and can hardly wait to see them and show them around this city that we've come to love so much.

As great as the past four weeks have been, I think we are both starting to think about winding it up. Home is calling. We miss our people, our house, our life at home. When it is time to pack up and head back, as always, we will be ready for home!