A serious day!

It is great to do things that are fun and relaxing on a holiday. But is also good to have variety on a vacation. For me, history has always been a subject of interest. The study of history is a study of the past. The past makes you think, how will the past effect the future. Or you ask yourself the question. How will the future turn out compared to the past?

Today was one of those days. Peter's sister Margaret offered to spend the afternoon with me. The plan was to go and visit an infamous place in Dutch history. We went to visit the Nazi Concentration camp located in a town called "Vught". It was my second time to visit one of these horrible places. The first time was during my 1986 trip to Switzerland. During that trip, I went to visit Dachau. That concentration camp is located just outside of Munich, Germany. Dachau was the first concentration camp that was opened by the Nazi's in 1933.

You may ask yourself after reading this posting. Why would anybody go to visit such a horrible place, like a concentration camp? Especially during a vacation. The answer is, you go; because the events that took place there really happened, you go in respect for all the innocent decent people who died there, and you go because you want to keep there memory alive, so these horrible events will never ever repeat themselves, ever again!

The day quickly went back to a much friendly and enjoyable holiday atmosphere. Margaret agreed to make my favorite traditional Dutch meal. I enjoyed this fine homemade meal, on my last trip to the The Netherlands , in 2006. The meal is called Zuurkoolstamp. The translation into English is "Sauerkraut, with Mashed Potatoes". It is a traditional Dutch winter time meal. It is a very satisfying and enjoyable dinner. Real Dutch comfort food. The recipe combines preparing mashed potatoes, and mixing them with fried bacon, and heated sauerkraut. This hearty meal is served with heated smoked pork sausage. Serve this meal with one of you favorite wines, and you will enjoy a meal, you will always remember.

I would like to thank Margaret for an enjoyable afternoon, and preparing a great dinner. I look forward to trying to prepare this great dinner for family and friends, when I get home.