Today is the 4th day of our Pennsylvania to Europe tour. Louise Hunsecker enjoyed her first flight so much that she stayed awake for the total flight. Ruth Martin joined her in conversation. Richard decided to sleep. Thankfully, we had a smooth flight on the Lufthansa #747 plane.
Our time in Amsterdam was full, beginning with an early morning visit to the Aalsmeer flower auction. Andrew and Jerry received only a few minutes for breakfast since their telephone had been unplugged by a previous guest and they did not receive a wake-up call. Wilmer knocked on their door 15 minutes prior to departure. Thankfully, they are young and good-spirited and took it in stride.
Kathy, Pat and a few others look forward to planting their tulip bulbs this fall when they arrive in the mail to their homes. They will have stories to tell to their Pennsylvania and California neighbors.
At the Delft Pottery Factory, Nancy Nisly was the last person out of the gift shop. After paying, she recorded the beautiful pottery by taking pictures with her camera.
The Amsterdam canal boat ride was especially interesting. John Ruth negotiated with the captain who agreed to focus on the Gentleman’s Canal and the Singel Canal. These two canals are very interesting for Mennonites. An early Mennonite preacher who provided support to the pioneer Pennsylvania Mennonites lived on the Gentleman’s Canal. Thanks to Richard Unruh’s request, we stopped in front of the Singel Mennonite church for photos.
Last night we had the wonderful experience of staying in private homes in Berlikum in Friesland. Following are a few comments shared on the bus this morning:
We felt very welcomed and were surprised by the openness we enjoyed in our conversation – Nancy & Paul
They insisted we take their bedroom. It was a challenge to accept their generosity – James & Betty
We were very nervous regarding the home stay. This will be a highlight of the tour – Marvin & Sharon
Yesterday at Delft I didn’t buy a piece of pottery. It was out of my price range. This morning my host gave me a gift of Delft pottery when I left his home. – Jerry Roth
TourMagination, don’t stop doing this. – Larry & Charlene
~ Wilmer Martin
