22 - 6 LAST 2 WEEKS IN HAARLEM/AMSTERDAM AND PHOENIX

 I returned from my second visit to Jeannette and Peter's since my arrival a week ago.  Yesterday Jeannette asked me to come for dinner.  I was to visit Monday, but Doctor visits then and they never know what time she will arrive.  It is difficult to plan anything. 

I was hungry so stopped for a light lunch to tide me over until dinner around 7 pm.   A small quiet but popular restaurant/bar caught my attention.  I took a seat inside where it was a bit warmer and ordered a Hot Chai Latte then a Bowl of Vichyssoise with Smoked Salmon. 

Very good.  I left Haarlem about 2:30 to drop off my key I forgot to return to Hotel Jimmy's.  He was surprised and pleased.  

       I had some time before our dinner at 5:30 so stopped at Mulligans for a bit more reminiscing and a Pint of Guinness.  It was a busy Sunday afternoon when I arrived and empty when I left. 

I wanted to stop by my old neighborhood haunt when I would stay at Jeannette's.  I knew everyone and stopped in for over 20 years but much to my surprise, it was now the River Kitchen restaurant and was closed on Sunday. 

MANY PLACES LEAVE THE FURNITURE OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT

I went to my second haunt...Cafe Bleck which looked like it had a new owner that remodeled and got rid of the art deco erotica that decorated the walls. 

It was still the same but much more Gentrified with a uniformed staff of 2 cooks, bartender and 2 servers.  The place was packed and all the pub food looked excellent coming out of the kitchen.  Customers were sitting outdoors sipping cold drinks and eating lunch.  It was 55 degrees! 

I stayed a short time before walking over to Jeannette's.  I got hit with a soccer ball and almost tripped on the way.  A young girl lost control of her ball and we both laughed.   Peter has a handicap car the city provides for them.  You can drive in on the sidewalk when pulling up to an entrance...and sometimes park it on the sidewalk.

CAR PROVIDED FOR HANDICAPPED 

         Peter greeted me and I joined Jeannette in the living area.  She was busy on the phone and apologized but needed to send some emails that were important. 

      As life becomes shorter, it also becomes more important. We chatted about her brother Basel's visit from Prague.  Mostly Brother/Sister stuff she said with a fond smile. Basel, much older than she, is a successful business man who loves Chess and is married with a 13 year old son.  He remains a very active, charismatic, pleasant person.   He had been to my restaurant in Phoenix and I to his Thai Restaurant in Brussels. 

      Jeannette  suggested we order Chinese food from nearby and have it delivered.  She always loved to cook and was a very accomplished chef in my mind.  Since her illness 7-8 years ago they mostly order food to be delivered and rarely go out but sometimes still cook a little. She has an extensive library of Culinary books, many changes of tablecloths with matching napkins, complete dinnerware sets from Morocco ,Spain, Indonesia, Rhodesia, glassware, flatware sets and a great kitchen. I may have exaggerated or understated her collection...but anyone that has dined at Chez Jeannette's knows the food is always great.

 

We enjoyed some Spring Rolls , a Pork dish with noodles and a chicken and vegetable saute that was all very good.  They had fresh watermelon and strawberries for dessert.

     She indicated she was retiring to bed and I bid good-bye and returned to Haarlem. 

ANOTHER CAR FOR HANDICAPPED PEOPLE

A DEAD TREE THAT WAS PAINTED AS A WORK OF ART RATHER THEN CUT IT DOWN 20 YEARS AGO.

     When I arrived in Haarlem, I stopped at the Coffee shop where I bought some hash , so I could use the bathroom.  Someone was using it , so I ordered an espresso and loaded my pipe with a hit of hash while talking with a friendly black man who inquired about my experience in Vietnam.  I had my Vietnam Veteran pin on.  Pleasant chat...I left for the apartment.

MANY PLACES LEAVE THE FURNITURE OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT 

It was nice to get to bed early.

       I did little this Memorial day.  It was a relaxing day watching a couple episodes of Borgan and 60 minutes.  

        Oh My!   I heard there was another mass shooting in Oklahoma this time.  A "Mass" shooting only counts if more than 4 people die.  There have been 247 this year I think...not deaths, but Mass Shootings where 4 or more died!?   I'm sure there is a Memorial for that?  Oh My!

                  

                                    I sat out side at a new Cafe for a glass of Pinot Noir and Burrata. 

One of my favorite Happy Hour treats at Grassroots in Scottsdale.  There it is $8 for the wine and $11 for Burrata....this was better and $6 for the wine and $9 for the Burrata and I enjoyed the outdoor Cafe with life going by a bicycles. I then returned to Olliver's for too much Pasta and another glass of wine. 

        I decided to make this day: Magic Truffle Day.... I went out in the morning but returned for all day.

SERIOUS BIKERS, DELIVERY MEN, AND OLDER BIKERS WEAR HELMETS

FRENCH TOAST AT TED'S..BREAKFAST

    The maid delivered extra towels and restocked my coffee supply.  I did tell them I would like to stay another week but could I get a discount?  She gave me $5 off a day and stay the rate now normally goes up after Memorial Day to $145 a day.  I was content.   Enjoyed my Magic Truffles and retired early again.

     My alarm is not waking me until I discovered I had shut down notifications from the phone that included the alarm.  I got up and had eggs for breakfast and later went to see Jolene in hopes she could direct me to a store where I could find a vegetable peeler  so I can peel my White Asparagus to take to Jeannette's tomorrow for Peter to create a dish for us.  Jolene just walked in the back room and came out with a peeler for me!  Amazing lady.  

        The sun was out so I went to Bambu for lunch.  Sat out in the Grote Mart and watched the people while sipping hot chocolate and eating Tuna Parsay, a mildly spicy dish of marinated Tuna Asian style. 

 I stopped at a store for Strawberries and a banana before returning to play "Beat the Stock Market" .  Now off to enjoy more sun and Happy Hour.

       I returned to the outdoor Cafe to watch the world go by while ordering another Pinot Noir and this time, A crispy Salmon appetizer with 2 small piece of fresh Salmon cooked just right. 

     It was getting cold so I decided to try another place I hadn't been.  

      I left for another glass of wine at a bar that had a sign...we love beer but we know wine.  He had a nice small 10 seat bar with a regular clientele .  There was one of those wine dispensers for 5 white and 5 red bottles with spouts that kept it from oxidizing and a nice selection from France, Italy and ?.  I had a $4.5 glass of Argentine and he passed out beer nuts. 

     The man next to me was sampling some French wine and the owner had given a few samples before the man consented to have a glass.  I figured he knew something so I asked for a glass of what he had. My third!  Now I was talkative and buzzed when Rick, the man next to me, invited me outside while he had a smoke.  They had heated cushions to sit on while we talked about travel. 

HEATED CUSHIONS

RICK CONTEMPLATING QUITTING SMOKING

     Rick traveled only by car and camped a lot mostly in France.  He was an avid biker, camper, and liked to travel but had been shy and alone so limited himself to mostly France. I was full of wine so decided to leave , but Rick felt I could handle one more , and who could refuse a free one.  Rick and I talked about drugs...started by my lecture against smoking and my addiction...then we got into the Mexican drug trade, Ecstasy produced in the Netherlands , cocaine , dealers, quality, fentanyl, opiates, oxycontin, overdoses, etc etc etc.  So I gave him my card and we will meet again when I am around.  

         When I went in to pay my bill...$11.50 I ran into Florentine who was a young  lady who had been canoeing in the Yukon on visits to Calgary in Canada.  Her mother was from Phoenix but she was born here.  Nice people good time. 

WHEEL CHAIR TRANSPORT

RETURNING IN WHEEL CHAIR FROM CANNABIS RUN
I have seen this man more than a few times at the train terminal asking and receiving good money ...but no wheel chair electric scooter.

          Tomorrow I go to Jeannette's for peeled white asparagus ...thanks to Jolene with her spare peeler.  Amazing woman.  I stopped for that ice cream I have been craving...got Mon Cheri...oh my god.  Had to buy two truffles (chocolate) and two gourmet chocolate Pierre creations. 

           I'm home and will now watch one more Borgan episode , a bit of hash and EARLY BED...got my alarm ready for morning. I needed people to talk to.  Now I've got a place to chat.

This morning the alarm went off but not loud enough for my hearing.  Will have to wear the hearing aide to sleep in.  I had Breakfast and now to peel asparagus and get to Jeannette's for dinner with her and Peter.

FILL IT UP...WITH ELECTRICITY

NICE SELECTION OF JOINTS, MARIJUANA, BROWNIES, AND HASH

SOME SERIOUS WINES WITH SMALL PLATE FOOD SELECTIONS

PETER, OUR CHEF FOR THE EVENING.

         I arrived at 5:30 and Peter peeled more of my asparagus.  It has to be peeled three times, as it's more fibrous than the green.  He had some small potatoes boiling and some 7 minute eggs.  Peter seldom cooks and Jeannette is a very accomplished chef to cook for.  She is exact, demanding, and right.  She confided that she had doubts about Peter cooking a meal.  She admitted that before he met her, he did cook for himself...but never a dinner or meal like she does.  He Aced it.  

            He knew how good Jeannette was when it comes to food, and wanted to prove that though he is not as good as her, he could put out a nice dinner.  He spent time planning this and pulled it off perfectly.  When it was finished he topped it all off with delicious ham and melted butter.  The presentation could have been better but we shoveled it on our plates and enjoyed every morsel.  There was none left. 

LIGHTER..CLICK THE TAIL AND THE FLAME COMES OUT THE DOGGIES ASS

        It was a fun evening but Jeannette did have a busy day with a new wheelchair arriving and well wishers stopping in to visit.  She was tired so I left with a possible return the beginning of next week. Ron is coming from Groningon, 2 plus hours away, to visit again this weekend, along with Rudd and Sanna will also.  I try to visit when she is not tired or has anything on her schedule.  Eating can tire her.

SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

MAMMA CHESTNUT AND BABY

CUSHIONS TO KEEP YOUR BUTT OFF THE COLD METAL SEAT

      I needed to pee and was already on the Tram when I realized it.  Incidentally,  when you pee after eating White Asparagus the smell is less than with the Green. I got off to stop in Mulligans for a 1/2 pint and a Jameson's after I relieved myself.  Two Americans at the bar greeted me. One, who was impressed that I ordered the same as he.  He was from Long Island.  The other from Austin Texas.  He was a born Texan and a classy gentleman.  They were both here on business for a week. 

    I left and connected with my train to Haarlem but by the time I got off...I had to pee again. Guinness!  I walked fast and just made my wine bar in time. I had Bitterballen and a Wine before heading home. 

      I passed the Restaurant that I saw a Chef sitting out front peeling Asparagus two days ago. I stopped to see if he had it on the menu.  A diner asked if I was American and if I was visiting for business or pleasure. I told him neither and walked away. Later I felt bad to be so rude, but was anxious to get home. I will eat dinner in that restaurant tomorrow.

    I overslept as the alarm was set but the notifications were turned off.  No wonder I've been sleeping through the alarm. I fixed that, connected my hearing aides to the phone and hopefully it will wake me tomorrow.  I fiddled on the computer until I realized I was wasting an entire beautiful , warm day.  I walked to the train station.  Sampled one of those Portuguese pasteis de nata at this unique store with pastries, meats, cheeses, chocolates, etc.  Delicious. 

       Once on the train, I started to google Den Bosch, my destination village.  I discovered it was close to 2 hours to get there and I didn't want to waste a day. 

Leiden hang out

I got off in Leiden but after walking around, I found nothing of interest so returned to the train and my room in Haarlem. 

      This street has about 10 restaurants on both sides...most of the streets do.  This is a "foodies" paradise.  Most have been excellent and all priced fairly.  The Dutch have integrity...well most.  I choose to have dinner at BastiJan, an Art Deco Restaurant with a nice menu and waitstaff. I sat outdoors.

BastiJan's

MY TABLE

                                  I could view the whole street from where I sat.

     I enjoyed Artichoke and Truffles Soup, followed by Wild Sea Bass with Fresh Green and White Asparagus, and finished with Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ice Cream and Martel Cognac. 

     I did go to bed early and the alarm woke me at 7 am.  Yeah.  A bit uncomfortable trying to sleep with a hearing aide in and getting feedback every time I rolled over. This morning was cool and grey sky's until 1 pm.  Now off to lunch.

      I went to the 66 and had soup and sandwich while watching the world go by...packed house inside and outside.  It was delicious as usual. 

TOOL BELT...CREDIT CARD PROCESSOR, I PAD FOR ORDERS TO THE KITCHEN , CHANGE PURSE.

     I saw the crossing guard come down for the bridge crossing so anxiously awaited to watch the bridge go up when I noted the ship coming out from under the bridge.  Nothing went up but I couldn't see the road...it disappeared.  Unfortunately, shortly after the road reappeared and the guards went up and people were crossing the bridge?  I guess you have to be there to see it? 

LITTLE GIRL WITH HORNS

       Speaking of that, I have a 10 minute TED talk about detoxing cities...and Amsterdam seems to be in the forefront of this effort.  I notices all kinds of electric bikes, scooters, cars, motorcycles, buses, taxis and more people space.  Whole neighborhoods redesigned to accommodate people without fossil fuels. NONE.  It's like living in a park.  Much of what is going on in Amsterdam to clean the air is in this short talk.

Amsterdam Plan for Future        Click me.

  

NO VEHICLES BEYOND THIS POINT

PEDESTRIAN ONLY HOUSING AREA...GARDENS IN THE BACK

ELECTRIC THREE WHEEL DELIVERY VEHICLE

I decided to try lunch at Olliver's Soul Kitchen.  I sat outside next to the restaurant. There was an areas along the Canal but it was threatening rain.  The waitstaff has to cross a bicycle path and a road to deliver the food to those people.  I had an "Olliver Sandwich" with a side of Risotto and Spinach Croquettes.  Again very good.

I returned to my apartment and notices birds flying around and around for an hour!  Then they landed behind my neighbors house and I noticed there were homing pigeons.  We get Seagulls and Magpies also on the roof.

This morning it was raining again.

Then around 10 am the homing pigeons were out again but only for a few minutes.

Sanna and I planned a visit around 4:30 when she got off work. I am so anxious to

see her too.

When Heather, my daughter, was around 14 or 16, I suggested she go to stay in

Amsterdam with Jeannette and Sanna. She knew neither but Sanna was her age and

I thought it would be an adventure that she would never forget and could learn a lot

from. I got her ticket and she flew off alone for her first solo flight to Europe. She called me

the night she arrived in a total panic. Dad, no one is here to meet me and I don't know

what to do? Have you been through immigration and customs yet? What is that?

First lesson. I explained she had to follow the crowd to pick up any bags that

were checked and then show your passport to the immigration officers. Then you

will walk into the public area where Jeannette and Sanna were waiting. She

did and everything turned out well. I joined her later but only stayed for a short

time as I planned a trip to Spain. She thought we were going to be together the

whole time. I felt bad that I didn't make it clear that this was not for us but for her.

  Sanna took the lead and helped her to have a good time and make new friends.

Later I attended Sanna's wedding on the Stad Amsterdam, the Clipper ship she sailed

across the ocean on as a crew member. That is where she met her husband.

Long story, but we have been friends a long time.

She arrived at the train station in Haarlem at 4:15 and I arrived at 4:14....in the

rain. We got lost a bit trying to find the restaurant I had planned to take her to.

It was Monday and I forgot that most are closed that day .

We made it and shared a

few vegetarian dishes together. She did eat cheese which went well with our love of

wine. It was a nice visit and after I walked her back to the station (got lost again)

and bid her goodbye. I am hoping I will get to see her one more time. Her

free time is spent with her mother so I doubt I will...but I'm happy and we are

in touch should we need any thing.

Today I slept in as I got to bed late last night. I went to lunch at a new place near the

restaurant we were at last night. There is a shortcut I discovered in all this planning

to be tested before the flight and meeting with Sanna. It is so close to my apartment.

I took it to BOCA, the new restaurant I wanted to eat at. A ship was passing.

I was hungry so went right to Boca and got a table.

SPICY CHICKEN OPEN-FACE SANDWICH 

The lunch was very good.  I left to revisit the knitting sculpture.  The woman there told me this whole project was done by one woman but she used a computer to do it.

THE BLACK IS A PLASTIC MESH

COMPUTER DESIGN

The whole thing was designed to fit into this particular building.

Since I was close to the church, I decided to do my 5 year pilgrimage.

2 Angels greeted me

 
THE WOODEN CEILING

      This famous church only has services during the summer months.

THE PIPE ORGAN IS 90 FEET TALL.  MOZART PLAYED A CONCERT ON IT WHEN HE WAS 10.

1500 SLABS OF STONE THAT MAKE UP THE FLOOR ARE GRAVESTONES

THE FIRST SAFE IN THE VILLAGE - ANOTHER CHEST INSIDE.

Enough of my penance. I am off to see the Teyler Museum that Sanna recommended.

Nice exhibits...time for cafe.

Time for the bathroom.

MOST PUBLIC BATHROOMS HAVE NO URINAL , JUST PRIVATE TOILETS WITH SHARED SINKS

THANK YOU TEYLER MUSEUM

GREAT DAY...NIGHT NIGHT

Slept well and woke to another rainy day.  The homing pigeons were out this morning. I am off for lunch and will meet Peter and Jeannette later today.   I lucked out while looking to buy some more bread. This wonderful bakery serves lunch and the special was Asparagus Soup with Egg Salad Sandwich. Very good and with a cup of coffee was $10.

      I returned home to find a message from Jeannette that said she was feeling ill and didn't want a hamburger.  I wasn't sure if that meant she wanted soup or nothing or even me to visit?  I texted  her to find out and she suggested tomorrow. 

 

This last 2 weeks...has exceeded my limit.  This could be the longest post I've ever done.  I will spare you anymore for now and post this last TEN days .  The next post will come from Oaxaca. Thanks for your patience.  Love to all. 

After Jeannette texted me, I went back to the M. Rouge where Sanna and I went for our dinner.

       I ordered the Steak and Wine. Jeannette was on my mind and what happens if she is ill and dies tonight.  I never told her what she meant to me...that was the whole purpose...but I was building up to it until tonight and I realized there may not be a Friday or tomorrow and that's it. So I  wrote down what I wanted to say, so as to not leave anything out.  

My Guest

          Then I was leaving and the man behind me , who I saw coming in but assumed he knew someone because he presented himself as a real person, turned and asked if I was from the states and where...I think?  I'm really not sure how but he charmed me into his conversation. He was a very charismatic, sincere, direct, and polite gentleman I've met in some time that never stopped smiling. He was from Alabama, then to NYC to Columbia University, and today, a new job in Haarlem as a school teacher.  He is a linguist , language, English, studies but not sure what.  He is into travel and enjoys Holland as much as I.

             I excused myself to leave and he asked for a contact.  I told him I had no cards on me but if he had his, I could send him my email and he could get my email.  That is also a way con men get information about a stranger, so everyone is reluctant to give that out.  We both wrote down our emails and our names.  Mine was David Taylor...his was Taylor also and we were both left handed "only" children. He bought me another wine I couldn't refuse and tripped my limit, unleashing Mr Moto Mouth....blah, mushrooms, etc and he is concurring.  We walked back until he went right and I left home.  I think he was hastily saying goodbye, not to be rude but because he had to go to the bathroom as much as I.   I did say something about us Only Children, that growing up, my Dad never showed any affection and died before we could ever talk about it. Maybe he was thinking I was gay? Maybe I  said something about my black grand and great grand children that offended him??

       I wrote the letter for Jeannette before I met Rodney, while I was thinking about dinner with her daughter in the same place. Now I have to deliver it.

BUT I can not...Peter called with the bad news.    For Sanna and the world:  Jeannette Died last night.

You have been one of my best friends ever. You inspired me by your natural spontaneity. Two days we met and months later we embarked on an odyssey to Mexico then Az. We exchanged tapes of favorite music, calls, emails, and continued to be best friends and lovers . I gambled my daughter's sense of adventure with you and Sanna. I will be eternally grateful for all you have shared and given to me. It was an honor to have been the Best man at your wedding, Sanna's wedding, our dinner with Basel in Brussels, your introducing me to Antwerp (the Elfde Gebod), your love of music, your wonderful friends, and most of all you sharing your life with me. You inspired my desire to travel , tried to teach me how not to behave like an American. To be more like myself and a world traveler. What was really special was your sharing your knowledge of food. Your talent for preparing it and serving it..I am so humbled to have enjoyed your hospitality, love, and friendship that you so generously gave me as well as total strangers your whole life. Your daughter carries your love in her heart and will always share that ...as will I.

Love forever..David

 It is a Grand Marnier....another story.

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