:D

We didn't 'finish' with Haarlem, so I'll be sure to repost when the next time comes. (and then I'd better get some darn good info!)

(you can tell me about <i>Maastricht</i> or some such unrelated topic :) )

ah Maastricht - they have hills there!

And a funny accent. A soft &quot;g&quot; and all that.
Lovely people, just can't understand half of what they are saying. OH worked there for many many years and we have good friends there, this is just a gentle p***take.
Great Thai restaurant there too.

Unrelated topic?

Texel Island - it's not far from Alkmaar by train to Den Helder then ferry to the island where you can hop buses or rent bikes to ride around this quaint place with great beaches.

And yes Queen's Day is one of the most fantastic citywide festivals i've ever had the luck to witness. Something for everyone.