Crossing the Dutch border after four days on the road from Chełmno felt surreal. Suddenly every road sign made sense again, every place name familiar. Lennard’s first stop? A long-missed viandel with fries – and it tasted every bit as good as he had dreamed. That first night we stayed nearby, enjoying the strange comfort of being “home,” yet still travellers.

The days that followed were a blur of familiar streets and familiar faces. In Oudenbosch we rested, then drove to Lennard’s grandparents for dinner and stories. By the end of the week, we were floating in the pool at Anne’s parents’ home, soaking up the warmth of the sun and the joy of being back.

A dress to remember

Warm welcomes and familiar flavours

Saturday was the day we had been waiting for – bridal dress shopping with Anne’s sister Imke. The appointment at Koonings in Deurne felt like stepping into a dream: endless rows of stunning gowns, each more beautiful than the last. The moment Imke slipped into the dress, everyone knew. Tears flowed freely, followed by happy laughter and sparkling glasses of bubbly to celebrate her “yes” to the dress. Anne’s heart swelled with pride and love; her sister looked absolutely radiant.

The following days were filled with everyday magic – bowling (Lennard proudly claimed victory), wandering the bustling braderie in Bergen op Zoom, and sharing laughter over plates of pasta at the local Italian with the whole family. Anne had a cherished day at the stables, riding and cuddling the horses she misses so much.

Time with loved ones felt precious – from pool games in Breda to an evening at the Indonesian restaurant in Oosterhout. We even spent a night at Imke’s home, indulging in the rare luxury of a normal bed with all the comforts of a house.

Back on the road – With a twist

Simple joys and shared moments

By Friday evening it was time to move on. We woke up in Essen, Germany, only to discover our LPG tank was empty – and refilling in Germany is notoriously tricky. Deciding to push on to the Czech Republic seemed clever, until we found out we needed a different connector there. Our Sunday mission to find one ended in defeat, but that’s part of the camper life: a mix of smooth sails and unexpected hiccups.

Even with the chaos of a tight schedule and little travel quirks, the past two weeks were a perfect balance of home comforts and new adventures. We left with full hearts, knowing that while it’s hard to say goodbye, the road still calls.

🌟 Highlight
Imke saying “yes” to her dream wedding dress at Koonings, surrounded by family.

😬 Low point
Saying goodbye to everyone again, and Lennard’s allergies flaring up in the Netherlands.

🏕 Best overnight spot
Imke’s home – the rare treat of a normal bed and all the home comforts.

🔥 Chaosmeter
6/10 – Many planned activities back-to-back, but all worth it.

📊 Total score
9/10 – Heartwarming to see family, be there for Imke’s special moment, and still eager to continue the adventure.

Casa Mariposa Meter – Week 8 & 9