6 September - Valkenburg, The Netherlands

What a wonderful feeling to be back in the town where I spent the first 12 years of my life. Although much has changed, a lot is still the same and walking around brings back a lot of memories.
We had a thunderstorm overnight and it was a bit foggy and drizzly this morning, but this soon cleared up and once again we walked into town. This afternoon we took a walk which I had taken many times with my grandfather. It leads to a beautiful tree lined path which follows the river and after a kilometre or so it reaches a 1000 year old castle called Kasteel Schaloen.

I made this walk a few times when I was last here 5 years ago. It always brings back a lot of memories.

After a leisurely stroll we eventually reached our destination, Kasteel Schaloen. There has been a castle here since the year 1000,  but in its current form it dates to 1656. The castle is a private residence which was recently on the market for 6 million euros. The surrounding servant accommodation and stables have been converted to a restaurant and motel units.

As the weather was still co-operating we decided this was a good spot for a drink in the outdoor cafe, so beers for John and I and chilled white wine for Sandra and Rosa.

Much refreshed, it was time for the walk home, and with dark clouds gathering ahead we were lucky to reach our hotel just as the rain started. By dinner time it was dry again and once again we made the short walk into town and had dinner at a local restaurant, of which there are hundreds. As you walk down the main street of Valkenburg the view ahead is an old ruined castle also dating back 1000 years. It dominates the landscape no matter where you are.