Travel Secrets Nov-Dec 2015 | Page 21

ODETOMYCITY In spring there is even the possibility to get some hail and wet snow in your neck of the woods. And during autumn and winter, it is a complete mix of all the things above. All part of the big plan Mother Nature has on offer for the Dutch people… Enough said about our ridiculous climate, I want to tell you something about a place I grew up in. So hold on tight, because it’s gonna be a bumpy ride. Just kidding, you’ll love it! The place I grew up in is Huizen, which used to be a fisherman’s village. It’s a 30minute drive from Amsterdam. So, how do you get there? Going to Huizen is real easy actually (some Dutch people take the bicycle, while others use the tram, train and bus). I think the best way to get there is to take Bus 320 at Amstel station. Once you are on the highway for about 10 minutes, you will see an old medieval castle named Muiderslot on your left hand side. Drive a little bit further, and you will see a very big shopping mall named Maxis. Although this is another trip, I just like to mention it for the fun of it. Anyway, once you get off the highway you will arrive at a bigger bus stop near the Tergooi hospital. A good suggestion Walking over a rough field with lavender growing and different kind of trees will put a big smile on your face. And if you are lucky you can even encounter goats, rabbits, cows and bulls. What a treat! is to get out of the bus and walk for 15 minutes to restaurant De Tafelberg (open 7 days a week). Walking over a rough field with lavender growing and different kind of trees will put a big smile on your face. And if you are lucky you can even encounter goats, rabbits, cows and bulls. What a treat! Once you are at the restaurant you can enjoy the view, decoration, terrace and the delicious food and drinks of course, which are reasonably priced according to Dutch standards. After you have eaten, you should walk all the way to the old part of Huizen called Het Oude Dorp. It is a 45-minute walk but a well-spent one. Fortunately almost everybody speaks English and can show you the way if you are lost. Once you arrive at Het Oude Dorp there is a nice church and different kind of shops, restaurants and cafés. There is also a little lunch restaurant named November-December 2015 Travel Secrets  21