Tuesday, February 14, 2006

A weekend with Jaap and Patricia

After doing the groceries, cleaning and racing to the theatre to make it on time, we dashed back home - not having had any dinner at all - and made a quick stop at a McDonalds to pick up some food. Not exactly my favourite, but considering that I have it once or twice a year, I can live with it. We got home around 11 pm and Jaap and Patricia arrived at a quarter passed midnight. Thanks to Mrs. TBF, I was more than happy to fill Jaap's empty stomach with a plate of steaming pasta Aglio and Olio. (HA! And all we had food from the big M). We chatted a for a while and went to bed around 2am.

On Saturday, we went to Basel to pick up our passport photos and a printout of the portraits we had done, and did a bit of shopping & groceries. Once we got home, we asked Jaap and Patricia to help us pick the best shot of the portraits. Actually, quite a few were very nice, so I guess we’ll have more than one done in 5x7”.

Later, Patricia noted that Jaap was actually thinking of buying a new ski jacket, but I think the Swiss prices scared him a bit - anyone whos been in Switzerland would understand that! So we had him at least try on Orange's jacket. One size too big, but he managed. Jaap loved the hood! Cool!


All of a sudden, OrangeX had one of his pyromaniac attacks and decided to start up our beloved Caminero. Men tend to have those, you know. Grilling probably also belongs to that family. If they can’t burn something, they feel helpless. But who cares. If it makes them happy and we can profit from it?? Anyway, the weather was still so beautiful, and so we enjoyed a drink and sat outside by the warming flames.

As we couldn’t make it to Jaap’s birthday party in January and Patricia’s B-Day coming up next month, we decided to invite them out to dinner at the Atlantis. We had a great time there, but unfortunately, had somewhat of a loud neighbour. It was probably close to causing deafness to anybody closer than 10 meters away when she laughed – and she was a very happy person that evening. Remember ALF from Melmac laugh? Or maybe ever see the movie “Amadeus”? Well make it a female voice and about 50 db louder – with screech – and you just about got it. At some point, one of her girlfriends even fell off her chair! Now that I think back, we should have applauded for the extra performance. But anyway, we still had a wonderful dinner and a lovely evening. We took a taxi back home around midnight, had a last drink at home and enjoyed each other’s company – without screech! Here are a few pics.


After a good night’s sleep, we had a few coffees and decided to take a nice walk up the hill and through the woods to a nearby (30 min walk) restaurant called the Predigerhof for some lunch. It was quite relaxing and we just enjoyed the fresh air. Once we got back home, Jaap and Patricia packed and drove off again to Holland. Next time will be out turn and we are already planning a trip to Utrecht (NL) in the coming weeks.

You’ll hear about it; I promise.

9 comments:

Ms Mac said...

Yes, I totally understand about buying a ski jacket in Switzerland. Don't!!!

Looks like a great weekend!

Unknown said...

Well I must say at times Manor does have discounts, but you have to be a loyal looker. I got my first ever down jacket for 60CHF. Now that is a great deal!!! But yes in general you are so correct.

I love the pics. Now a funny question, did Orange-X speak in Dutch or did you guys only use English?

CanadianSwiss said...

Ms. Mac - Sure was! And we have a few more comin' up.

Expat - Yes, they do and now there's quite a lot on sale. And that was really a good buy on your down jacket. CHF 60??! Wow.

Ginnie Hart said...

I laughed all the way through this post, CS. About men and their fire...and needing to burn something; about the high decibel lady; and the falling-off-the-chair free performance. What a hoot.

So many nice pictures and memories of a great time together. Food with friends. Doesn't get much better than that!

We've been to Utrecht, so I'll look forward to that post as well!

CanadianSwiss said...

Sorry Expat - I forgot to answer your question. Basically, we spoke English, but when words were missing or it was to long/complicated, Orange would translate. When the three were alone, Dutch too the overhand, of course ;-)

Hehe. Yes, Ginnie. I guess men took their pyromania way back from the stone age!

It was really great fun. And it's not everyday you get entertainment for free ;-) But you're right. There's nothing like food and family and/or good friends. The more the merrier.

Rob7534 said...

An Excellent Post CS! The pictures are fabulous! I love those plates the food was served on when you went out!

CanadianSwiss said...

Thanks Rob. I like those, too. And the food ON the plates wasn't bad either ;-)

Anonymous said...

Very nice presentation and the Food looks delicious,how come you are still so small with all the calories you manage to absorb.Dad

CanadianSwiss said...

I guess I just use them up!