APRIL 9 DEPARTING & FLYING KLM

14  Holland Hikers checked in to Pearson Terminal 3 for the 10:45 pm flight to Amsterdam. They can be seen at Gate C36 "saying cheese" and ready for the off 

  

APRIL 10 DAY 1 ARRIVING AMS SCHIPHOL

The flight on the Dreamliner was well equipped with the necessary comforts. The leg room in economy was adequate. The meals were not. Served cold at first and then re-distributed after being warmed up. Arriving on time we cleared the busy border control and picked up our bags. Meryl & Rutger were there to greet us

 Unfortunately Liliane's bags did not show and we waited for her to complete the lost luggage details

In the meantime Bea & Parvin showed up having flown in earlier

After picking up a sandwich etc from the Supermarket we made our way to the train station below for our connection to Arnhem

APRIL 10 DAY 1 ARNHEM, PARK SOONSBEEK

After a 90 minute train ride we arrived in Arnhem 

Our leaders reminding us to "tap on" and "tap off"

We crossed the road to our Hotel, "Old Dutch". The boutique style hotel was comfortable and well appointed with a friendly staff. It did however have some tricky stairs which caused one or two of the group to take a tumble

After depositing our bags in the rooms, Rutger led us on a leisurely stroll around the "Park Sonsbeek". The park of 67 acres with its winding paths was a delight to take on a sunny afternoon.

Rutger demonstrates his inimitable walking style

Leaving the Museum

Seeing double

Sitting Seniors

"Irish Eyes Are Smiling"

Time for refreshments at the Stadsvilla Restaurant

It was Wednesday so we toasted the Senior Hikers back in Toronto

Liliane models a tea cosy

Making our way back to the hotel

"Bikes R Us"

APRIL 11 DAY 2 ARNHEM & OOSTERBEEK WAR CEMETERY

After a good nights sleep on very comfortable beds we found the breakfast to be excellent with lots of choices of hot and cold goodies

After breakfast we met at 9 am to board the bus to take us to the Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery

After walking through the grounds one was struck by the sheer beauty of this pristine cemetery. The  row upon row of young soldiers graves was a moving experience bringing home the tragedy of war