Family Ties

Today we headed north to Friesland and Groningen to renew some family ties. It's about a 2.5 hour trip to the northern part of the country. Once there, here's a look at what we covered today:

The locations in the upper part are towns where there are family roots. In the lower right is Niewe Pekela - home to Linda's third cousin and his family.

On the way north, we encountered this car on the A28. He was running much faster than the speed limit and it took quite a bit of doing to catch up to him for these photos. It appears to be a coach-built car from the 50s, built on a VW chassis. We've never seen one before and have no idea what it is!

Scenes from Kollum, birthplace of Ernie's great-great grandfather, Sake Hendriks Riemersma.

 The church in Burum, birthplace of Ernie's great-great grandmother, Korneliske Hendriks Bok. The headstone is not for a direct relative, but perhaps a relative of Korneliske - the time period is right.

 Entering Munnekezijl, home of Ernie's grandmother Wiegers.

 The church in Ezinge, birthplace of Ernie's great-great grandfather, Hendrik Reinekes de Vries. This is a "terp" village that grew up around the church. Terps were the high ground in the Netherlands. The tower dates from the 13th century.

 Molen in Den Andel, birthplace of Ernie's great-great grandmother, Antje Jans Bakker. The roadside stand is a place where you can buy tulips or potatoes on the honor system. Just drop the money into a slotted box and take your purchase.

 Baflo & Rasquert - home to Ernie's grandfather, Hendrik de Vries and birthplace of his father, Jan de Vries. The church is over 800 years old.

 The church and a street scene in Bedum, home of Linda's grandmother, Johanna Hubbeling.

The day finished with a visit with Harm & Baudina Hubbeling and their children Michael & Lilian. Baudina made delicious chicken soup for dinner, and taught us the tricks to making her great coffee. We had such a good time visiting that I forgot to pull out the camera for some photographs.