Arrival in Amsterdam!! Yay!

The 24 hour long flight payed off when we landed at Schipol Airport. We were greeted by Arend Sijpestein(DG), Marijke(Co-ordinator) and our host families and presented not only with flowers but cellphones that were already topped up! Now that definetly got us smiling, especially when we were hunting for one inside the airport.
So this was it, the kiwi crew parted ways and headed home with their new dad's!
For most of us it was an early night and I don't think anyone had trouble falling asleep. And just to add, I felt a bit lonely with out my crew!!:( But that didn't last long cause came day two we were once again together at 8am! The day began with a bang at the Flora Holland Flower auction, the worlds largest auction. Now, this was one impressive and massive place. Two hours later we were told that we'd only seen 10%! We were given a guided tour of the place and were privileged to be given access to " No Tourist" areas. What followed next was a visit to a family owned organic business with a noble cause. The owner of this business provides opportunities for special needs people to put their skills and abilities to good use.

Lunch..which at the time seemed like the best 'activity' of the day was at AMU Rotary club situated within a hotel. As much as we dared to try 'Dutch' Food most of us ended up having soup,salads and sandwiches. Although Kepal more fondly known as squirrel and Chris as Bandi had something different (can't remember the name).
Shanna and I (Nageen) were full on our soup and struggeled with the sandwiches, which we were told were small servings but not really!

We were now headed for Schuers, again a family owned business speciallising in flowers. Quite a flash place this was with some very flash people!! The flowers were just amazing, magnificent colours and perfect. We were introduced to Red Naomi, White Naomi, Muscat, Heatwave, Angelina and what not. The Dutch are very creative when it comes to naming their flowers!

Hans, who was looking after us took us back to his car workshop where we rested and munched through a bucket full of easter eggs! Hans very kindly gave us each a bucket of eggs! They weren't just for us but also for our hosts...hmm..dont know about the host part.

The Rotary club of Mijdrecht were having their meeting at the Umbrella factory as part of their 'day out'. Yes, a gradual change for us from flowers to a workshop and now umbrella's! But we weren't complaining. We got a tour of the place, a delicious dinner and a free umbrella each!! And most importantly we each got 1 minute of fame to introduce ourselves!

This was the end of our long, exciting and informative day! And ofcourse there heaps more to come.

keep blogging!!:)