On the 28th May seven of us travelled to the Netherlands for a wonderful weekend full of friendship with our Soroptimist sisters from Arnhem Oost and Remscheid. On arrival in Amsterdam we were met, taken to the famous Rijkmuseum, and then had dinner in a Modern Art museum next door. Our hotel in Arnhem was most unusual and all our rooms were works of art in themselves – all with different themes depicting the art culture in Arnhem! Indeed the fashion and design theme was very apparent on our second day when we were shown around the ‘fashion quarter’. We also managed to visit ‘The bridge too far’ which was made famous by the ill fated operation Market Garden of the Second World War.
In the evening we had a very informal and relaxed meal at Pien’s home and then back to our hotel! On the Saturday, we were joined by our Remscheid sisters and enjoyed a tour of Castle Middachten which resembled a beautiful grand stately home. We were given a guided tour and were able to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the vast grounds. Following this, we visited the very old city of Doesburg and had coffee outside one of the oldest pubs in Holland. In the evening we were treated to a lovely meal in a beautiful countryside setting along with our friends from Remscheid.
On Sunday, after an inspiring walk through Sonsbeek Park it was time to depart. Many thanks to all our hosts and in particular Joke and Loes who looked after us so well!
Tricia W.