Wednesday, 14th. October, '98.
Amsterdam - Deventer.

How nice to see Terri again ! She'd been at Schiphol airport early, so simply had to wait until I arrived.

The drive back was in heavy traffic, with the scenery looking familiar. The changing leaves on the trees, and cows in the fields, were the main changes.

We went for dinner at 'Da Mario', a real Italian restaurant. I have to say the ravioli al.salvia was the best ravioli I've ever eaten - maybe it was the rosso vino, the company, or the combination - it was certainly a great evening.

Thursday, 15th. October, '98.
Deventer - Oberhausen - Deventer.

Today we drove to Germany ! So strange, being in one country one minute, then in another in the time it takes me to drive to the city !

Along the misty snelweg non-stop until we pull into the car park. An immense shopping centre - Einkaufen - two levels of over 200 shops set out in an "E" shaped arc. This huge complex - Centro - includes a theme park, hotel, theatres, multi-cultural food hall, promenade of restaurants, bars and nightclubs, railway station and even a sports stadium - everything except a bank.

There is an Irish shop, O'Riain's, and chatting with Sinead and Marie, I buy a Guinness mousepad and more things for Charlene, and promise to write to them once I'm back home. There are even Irish postcards here - and plenty of things to talk about.

We head back home before the peak-hour traffic, stopping for groceries in Deventer on the way. A really nice day.

Friday, 16th. October, '98.

Today I slept in, did washing, and around 2pm walked down the street. Three hours later I returned with cheese (Yes, the same shop as last time) fresh flowers, stamps, photographs, and a better understanding of the locality. That broom-handle thing is still not avalable, and the stores assistant even remembered me, too.

Nice, returning to places previously visited, and here also, it looks different in a different season. There are many more people on bicycles, there is more construction, and the footpaths, pavements and laneways are still cobbled, bricked, or paved.

Saturday, 17th. October, '98.

Diary notes and images to add

Sunday, 18th. October, '98.

Monday, 19th. October, 98.

Tuesday, 20th. October, '98.

Wednesday, 21st. October, '98.

Thursday, 22nd. October, '98.

Camembert, cervelaatworst, Creme d'or gember, clove cheese, young and old gouda, smoked, caraway seed, herb and the plain cheese - Terri has packed me a virtual banquet ! Included coffee, milk, and the last of the waffles. Bliss !

Next stop - London.

How far is it ? - 221 miles (356 km)