Nazi's, Kruger Rands, and Demon Slayers.

Mom Enjoying the sun on the banks of a river.

I am not sure what exactly Hitler’s reason for invading Holland was, probably a tactical manoeuvre to avoid the French defense lines, but whatever it was, he cut through the Dutch defenses like a hot knife through Gouda. The primary defense line runs past mill and consists of a network of concrete bunkers along a canal which was hastily built during the build up to world war two. To get over this the German's simply drove a Panzer Train, full of soldiers, down an obscure line that ran through the defenses. Rumor has it they also put to practice an ancient Dutch sport called Fierljeppen and pole vaulted over the Canal. It is hard to imagine what it must have been like. The bunkers are now covered in creepers and brambles instead of camo paint, the grey clad soldiers have been replaced by rabbits and the only thing that will hurt you is the stinging nettle that brushes against the leg of the ignorant South African cyclist. Mill was extremely pleasant and it was great to spend a bit of time with my Opa and Oma, Mom and Aunt. I spent much of my time cycling around and enjoying the pleasant countryside. 

The Whole of Amsterdam Turns Orange

Whatever Hitler’s reasons were, it was not because of a lack of blond hair and blue eyes. I also think that if Hitler had had the misfortune of planning his attack, on the Dutch Queens birthday, (30 April) his attack would of come to a grinding halt and would have been delayed by at least two days. Koninginnedag is the day that the whole of Holland comes to a grinding halt, dresses in orange with red white and blue ribbons and heads to the streets for a massive party. How many German Soldiers do you know that could resist the combination of a good beer and pretty girls? I was in Amsterdam and I have never seen anything like it. Hundreds of thousands, if not millions head to Amsterdam for the biggest street party you will ever see.

I think the Amsterdam Canals would be a good place to look for the Kruger Millions.

 The following day I jumped on the train, had a good laugh at the expense of the ex-party goers tending their head aches, and disembarked in Brussels. After checking in at a youth hostel, I tagged along on a tour of the city with an international group of students who were doing a mock UN delegation. It was quite funny seeing the responses when I told them what I did and wasn't officially part of their group. The conversation went something like this:

"Hi I'm Ryan, What do you do?"

"Oh I'm just studying my masters in in International Human Rights/International Relations/Law at Cambridge/Oxford/etc. what about you? I am here representing Hungary."

"Well I studied Property Development and Construction Management and I'm Representing South Africa."

"Oh...Wow, I didn't know the UN dealt with that. What did you say your name was? I don't seem to remember seeing it on the list..."

Manikin Piss has been replaced.

It was allot of fun. After seeing Manikin Piss (a statue of a boy urinating) and a 5m high statue of Michael slaying the Demon we headed into a bar which had 2000 beers to choose from. The Belgians take their beer tasting about as seriously as a Capetonian takes their winetasting. I had a medium dark bitter beer with a hint of litchis. Interesting!

Sierra Leone here I come...