I looked forward to this trip, a continuation of last year's adventure and a chance for me to gain more knowledge of this green and pleasant land, plus gain an insight into towns and cities in northern Belgium.
    The areas we visited were, like northern Netherlands, very pretty. I include in that the industrial areas too, around Dordrecht and Rotterdam; such complexes have held a fascination for me since my childhood. But what really got me hooked on the area around Zeeland, North Brabant, South Holland and Antwerp was the commercial and strategic importance of these regions over the centuries. Great rivers such as the Rhine, Maas and Schelde all converged on this giant delta, once known as the Low Countries. These commercial and strategic aspects served as foundations for the rich tapestry of history that was weaved around them. I really enjoyed discovering this deep rooted history, and how and why it evolved.
    I was also fascinated by the Deltaworks Project, the events that led up to it and how the solutions were reached to protect this vulnerable land from the ravages of the North Sea. I was greatly impressed by the technology adopted by the Dutch, who are recognised as masters of water management.
    As always, the villages, towns and cities were all so quaint, abundant in well preserved old buildings, and everything spotlessly clean.
    Apart from being obsessed with cleanliness, the Dutch in these southern provinces were as friendly and helpful as their northern counterparts, full of humour and a zest for life. We just couldn't help but get on with them. The Belgians on the other hand, seemed a bit more distant, lacked the humour, cleanliness and pride in their appearance compared to the Dutch.
    As a team, the three of us got on well together again, and had enough common interests between us so that we could share all the visits and activities. I did draw the line at the Fashion Museum in Antwerp though, but my pals had no hang-ups about me going off to Rubenshuis instead. That ability to share a holiday with a group of people, in a totally accepting and relaxed manner, meant a great deal to me.
    Once again, none of this would have been possible without the generous invitation extended by Rex and Meryl to join them on their adventure. Their patience and understanding, their friendship, humour, banter and company was absolutely brilliant. Long may it continue.

            Rex and Meryl - Thanks again!