Warm jumpers, cooling shirts, walking shoes and my camera. Essential things to take with me to Het Bosstekje in Boekel. After all, owner Neeltje has an accommodation here next to her house near the forest. Returning to peace and simplicity. How much I am looking forward to it! The cottage is furnished with love and you really feel as if you are in the woods. Making dinner in the evening over the fire and warming up in the hot tub is a real must when you are here!
Peace and warmth - A warm welcome
It was quite a journey from Groningen, but on arrival I can give my dear friend Gina a big hug. After not having seen each other for ages, she’s here to keep me company over the next few days. The owner, Neeltje, welcomes us with a cinnamon bun and a quick tour of the cottage. She immediately starts thinking along with us about the coming days and is very helpful.
‘Right, time to relax a bit,’ I call out to Gina. We make some coffee and enjoy our cinnamon buns outside. We’re incredibly lucky with the lovely weather. Suddenly, we hear Neeltje’s two ponies trotting along in the distance. They have a lovely paddock right opposite the cottage. Gina jumps out of her chair to take a look straight away. What a lovely treat to have a view of these sweet animals every day!
Birds sing in chorus: good morning! - Breakfast in the sun
It is 5.30 in the morning when I wake up after our first night in Het Bosstekje. We get a free concert from all the birds in the area who cheerfully sing to us. I peek through the curtain hoping for a beautiful sunrise, but since the sun stays away anyway I dive into my bed warmly for a while before waking up at 8 o'clock.
We are immediately surprised by the breakfast that Neeltje has prepared for us outside. We open the doors and decide to have breakfast outside in the sun. What a start to the day!
A visit to Berne Abbey - Tasting beers
In the afternoon, we decided to visit Berne Abbey. This abbey is the longest existing monastic community in the Netherlands and has history back to 1134. The abbey houses guesthouses, courses, a bookshop and a beer tasting room with the only Dutch Norbertine beer.
We were shown around by Piet, who volunteered to show us around the abbey. He told us about the history and current state of the abbey. He also took us through the monastery garden. A beautiful place in Heeswijk-Dinther.
Finally, it was of course our time to taste two delicious abbey beers. After which we immediately took home a tasting set. A recommended place to visit to taste history and abbey beer!
Outdoor life begins! - Cooking over the fire
When we return to Het Bosstekje, Neeltje is already busy putting up lanterns around the hot tub so that we will have some light tonight. She has also put a tripod above the fire bowl so we can cook outside. This is exactly our intention! While I quietly light the fire, Gina is inside preparing our delicious tomato soup that will hang over the fire.
With a red wine and enough snacks to go with it, we toast together into the evening. How lovely it is just to hear the crackling of the fire and birds singing further on. The ponies curiously come to our side and enjoy themselves. Just goes to show that you don't need much to completely unwind and enjoy yourself.
Once we have finished eating, I stir the hot tub a few more times and feel whether it is warm enough. 'Perfect temperature!': I shout to Gina. We change our clothes and enjoy the dusk in the warm hot tub.We catch up on what we have been through since we last saw each other and are grateful to be here on such a beautiful summer evening. An evening together we won't soon forget.
The next morning, I give Gina a big hug, we repeat several times that we are going to miss each other and that we enjoyed ourselves immensely. Neeltje offers us another cup of coffee before our journey home begins. Recharged with full batteries, we both leave for our own home. Another experience richer - and what an experience!
Love,
From Honeyguide Marion - Unique experiences
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Staying at the farm
Honeyguide Marion enjoyed a unique overnight farm stay. Farmers the Kalverweide is the perfect place to unwind. Cook outside on the fire or enjoy the expansive view in the hammock.
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A dry trip
I drive towards Harlingen, the city in Friesland where boat 'Actief' will set sail to go into the Wadden area. With my camera on my wrist, I take you on this adventure during a full day in the middle of the Wadden area during a dry land tour with the Wadden Association.
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Culinary mudflats
During the Culinary Wadden Weeks, Honeyguide Marion went on the road for Honeyguide along various catering businesses and producers to taste the flavour of the Wadden Sea. Think deliciously tender meat, cockles, or locally grown potatoes.