Baggy Maggy Personal Memories of Lucy Faye-Scott

Personal Story of Lucy Faye-Scott

Her story of the visit to the Netherlands in september 1994 to commemorate 50 years liberation.

OUR TRIP TO HOLLAND IN 1994

BY LUCY FAYE SCOTT

DAY ONE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1994

Day 1 - Thursday, September 15

We were very excited! The invitation, the preparation, the day of departure!

Richard and I left Houston Intercontinental Airport at 3:40 P.M. on a KLM 747, non-stop to Amsterdam.

We were traveling to Holland to participate in the 50-year Commemoration Ceremonies for the end of World War II, the honoring of veterans involved in the liberation of Holland and Belgium and a special memorial service for Bill Kirlin.

Richard had been a member of the crew of "Baggy Maggy," a plane which was shot down by German ground fire. The plane crashed in Holland, and we would soon be meeting other crew members there.

The trip over was uneventful except for hitting a few air pockets, some turbulance as we got over the water, and slowing down because we had company in the air, or so said the pilot.

We were flying at approximately 37,000 feet altitude and for the first time, I got to look down, instead of up, on beautiful snowy white cumulus clouds. Spectacular!

Food on the plane was good; sleep, zero.

For the movie, I had hoped to see "The Client," but instead it was "The Flintstones," which I did not watch. Well, we were traveling tourist class; I expected too much.

Day 2 - Friday, September 16

We landed on schedule at Schiphol Airport at 7:55 A.M. (their time). It was very foggy and rainy, and because of construction at the airport, we were delayed in getting off the plane for about one-half hour.

We got off the plane and went into the terminal. We had walked only a short distance when Richard needed a nitro pill. We found a place to sit down and when he had recovered, we went through the hassle of finding the baggage room, recovering our bags, loading them onto a cart and proceeding to the "holding room" to meet those who were waiting for us.

There they were - four members of the Commemoration Committee -Jos van Roozendaal, Con Wolters, Ad Jacobs and Ed Ragas, holding up big signs with our names on them. This made it very easy for us to find each other.

Their greeting was a kiss on the left cheek, then one on the right and still another on the left. Or was it right, left, right? Either way, I do know how many kisses I got! Twelve! I liked those greetings!!

I think we disappointed them because we were not wearing big hats and cowboy boots, bein' from Texas and all.

Since we were the first to arrive in Amsterdam, we had a choice of going on to the village of Baarle-Nassau or waiting for the others to arrive. We chose to wait and enjoy getting acquainted with our hosts.

It was not long until Gertrude and Sue Stuber arrived. Gertrude is the sister of Bill Kirlin, who was killed in the crash of "Baggy Maggy." Sue is her very lovely daughter-in-law.

Eugene (Shab) Shabatura's plane was late, so Con (pronounced Cone) took Richard and me on to Baarle-Nassau. It was about a 65 mile (100 kilometers) drive to the village.

Con was a super drive, and I was thankful for that because the freeway was crowded, it rained off and on, and the speed limit was 115 kilometers per hour. That was really only about 70 miles per hour, but just seeing that 115 sign made it seem faster. Believe me, you would have to be an expert driver to make it in and out of Amsterdam safely.

Day 2 - Friday, September 16 (continued)

With such a good driver, I relaxed and took in the countryside. At times, I literally held my breath because of the beauty of it all.

I noticed that the verdant meadows, where the cows grazed, had been fenced off into sections. The cows were all in one section, and I am sure that, at the proper time, they would be moved to another section.

Sheep were numerous, grazing in green meadows.

Apples were ripening and what a sight to behold! Garden after garden was filled with vegetables, and flowers were everywhere; unusual trees, so perfect they were like pictures. The only trees I recognized were maples.

After we left the freeway, it did not seem far to the village. The closer we got, the more excited I became!

The houses were all two stories high with almost straight down roofs. Most of them had window boxes with flowers of all colors and kinds in full bloom. The yards were beautifully landscaped with both flowers and vegetable gardens. The grass was not St. Augustine as we have, but so green. Later, I noticed how fresh the air was, and I wondered if this was the reason all Hollanders in Baarle-Nassau and Baarle-Hertog looking ten years younger than they really are.

When we arrived at the Hotel den Engel (translated "The Angel"), a welcome sign had been placed by the entrance which read, "WELCOME LIBERATORS, 1944-1994." Con told us that the hotel had been destroyed by German bombs toward the end of World War II. Only the front had been left standing, and it was rebuilt as it had been before the bombing.

Later, I learned from Nell de Jong that the village had been taken over by the Germans and remained under their control for four and one-half years. The German soldiers took all their silver, gold, cows, horses, pigs, sheep and chickens. They also took vegetables from their gardens and fruit from their trees, and they had little left to eat. Much of what the soldiers took was sent back to Germany. (No wonder West Germany is still in good shape!)

Day 2 - Friday, September 16 (continued)

Nell stated that, during that time, the village people ate tulip bulbs. On the tulip bulb packages which I brought back, it reads, "For planting only."

We checked into The Angel, and the first thing I saw when we got inside our room was a basket of fresh flowers with a welcome note from the Committee. The flowers were beautiful and stayed so fresh and pretty. I carried them all the way back to Amsterdam. I brought the basket home with me with plans for putting an arrangement in it as another reminder of Holland.

Our room was lovely and spacious, double windows overlooking a garden, and a very large bathroom.

We were in bed very soon, between snowy white sheets with a white "down" comforter over us. Sheer luxury! We slept for only an hour, bathed, dressed and were ready for a briefing with the Committee at 4:00 P.M.

We were given a beautifully printed program with the agenda for our stay with them. We could not believe that they had planned so many special things for the commemoration and for us.

The old saying, "Anticipation is greater than the realization" may be true in some situations, but in this one, the realization was much greater than the anticipation. We had not dreamed what was in store for us.

After the briefing and visiting with the Committee members and their wives, we were escorted to the dining room of The Angel. We were seated at a large round table covered with a deep pink table-cloth with matching napkins. A large silver candlelabra, candles already lighted, graced the center of the table. Guests were Shab, Gertrude, Sue, Richard and I. (George Sadler did not arrive until the next afternoon.) Committee members and wives included Jos and Adrienne van Roozendaal, Arie and Nell de Jong, and Con and Agatha Wolters.

Food was delicious and so many courses I did not count them. Nell sat next to me and was a big help and an interesting conversationalist. She answered most of my thousand questions.

We went upstairs to our room about 10:00 P.M., fell into bed and slept all night long. With our flying all night the night before, sleep finally caught up with us.

We did take time to thank God for a safe journey over and for all our experiences thus far, plus asking a blessing for our loved ones and friends so far away and for the new friends which we had made this day.

Day 3 - Saturday, September 17

We awoke from a good night's rest, feeling great. The bed was very comfortable, and the comforter had kept us warm and cozy.

We met Shab, Gertrude and Sue for breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Our table had been reserved, and what a breakfast! There were eight different kinds of bread, a soft-boiled egg in a silver egg cup, jams, jellies, real butter, two platters of ham (one fried and one baked), two platters of cheeses (variety plates), delicious sweet orange juice which came from Italy, and coffee. (I loved the coffee cups; they were a little larger than demitasse cups.)

At 10:00 A.M., Richard and Shab went over into Belgium with Jos, Arie and Ed to the school where they spent their first night as prisoners of war. They talked with a lady who saw them riding by on the wagon, 50 years before. They came home with special gifts presented to them by the Burgom- aster of Hoogstraten.

While the men were gone, Adrienne and Nell took the ladies shopping. Although the weather was very inclement, we were presented with umbrellas and braved the elements, enjoying the shopping tour in the quaint little shops.

We were on our way back to the hotel about noontime, and as we rounded the corner across from the Town Hall, men were raising the American Flag between the flags of Holland and Belgium.

I stood there in awe as I watched it go up. I had a big lump in my throat and tears in my eyes and thought what a special honor for us, their American guests.

My thoughts also went back to our Pilgrim forefathers who stayed in Holland for twelve years before sailing to America to find a new home.

We had returned to the hotel in time to watch a parade in honor of a Belgium man, Kees de Jong of Baarle-Hertog, who was 100 years old on September 17. Each scene represented a decade for the past 100 years. It was wonderful to see the years of their history unfold right in front of our eyes. Magnificent! Kees de Jong rode along in a horse-drawn carriage. The men had returned from Hoogstraten in time to see the last few minutes of the parade. This was not on our scheduled program, so it was a very unexpected treat.In the early afternoon, we went to a museum where one room was devoted to U. S. Military memorabilia, mostly "Baggy Maggy." A 16x24 picture of Bill Kirlin was predominate.

Day 3 - Saturday, September 17 (continued)

There were pictures of the original "Baggy Maggy" crew and several models of other World War II planes. One was a beautiful B-24 model which Jos had made. Also, there were parts of the "Baggy Maggy," which the people had salvaged before the Germans burned the plane. Richard said that the aluminum rudder which was displayed must have been the right rudder, because he wore the left one out trying to keep the plane flying straight and level.

This brought back sad memories for us all, but it was great to know how loving and caring these people were and how much they appreciated the part the Americans played in their Liberation.

Next came the reception in the Baarle-Nassau Town Hall. A welcome was extended by Dr. Jan Hendrix, Burgomaster of Baarle-Nassau. Eugene Shabatura gave a "thank you" to all who had a part in planning the special events. Arie de Jong read a letter from Larry Hewin, the pilot of "Baggy Maggy," expressing his regrets that he was unable to attend the commemoration and wishing a happy and successful time for all.

All seventeen members of the Committee, their wives and other officials of both villages were present. George Sadler arrived during the reception and, needless to say, everyone was glad to see him.

Refreshments were served by a lovely hostess and again, those adorable small cups!

Gifts were certainly unexpected but how thoughtful of them! Gifts with Baarle-Nassau's and Baarle-Hertog's logo included a stained glass hanging, two ties for each of the men, a scarf and a gold pin for Gertrude, Sue and me. The wives of the Committee members (Adrienne and Nell) gave us a tin of candy with Holland scenes on each of the four sides. I had looked for tins while we were shopping but did not find any. How they came up with these, I will never know.

Another gift was a lovely book with pictures of the Baarles dating back to the early 1900's. The inscription inside reads:

"As a token of gratitude of the people of Baarle for what you did for us 50 years ago." (Very beautiful handwriting.)

Dinner that evening was at the Restaurant De Pomp at Singel. It was built in 1639; 355 years old. It had very old wooden tables and chairs, and many things from the past decorated the walls. It was very crowded, and I imagined it was because the American guests were there, or perhaps it was the usual Saturday night crowd.

Day 3 - Saturday, September 17 (continued)

While waiting for our dinner, I entertained Sophie, the fifth-grade daughter of Ed and Nicole Ragas. She was very bored waiting with all the grown-ups. We made a concentration game by using the backs of some cardboard coasters which were on the table. I put "Baggy" on one and "Maggy" on another to make a match. Then I put "1944-1994" on two more. Sophie was just learning English, but very soon she caught on to what I was doing. She drew pictures on the rest of the coasters, and the game started. Fun! Others watched and seemed to enjoy what we were doing. Sophie was unhappy when our dinner was served; she had rather play than eat!

As soon as she can write enough English, we hope to hear from our little Dutch granddaughter.

After another delicious meal, we returned to our hotel across the street. We took out time preparing for bed, discussing event of the day and thinking about what tomorrow would bring.

Day 4 - Sunday, September 18

We had a late breakfast at the hotel restaurant.

A mini-van taxi came about noontime to take us to Minderhout, Belgium for church. We stopped at a gathering place where many people were awaiting our arrival - Gertrude, Sue, George, Shab, Richard and me.

There were two groups of Belgium men in uniform, but I did not find out what they represented; a cavalry of about 12 horses and riders; a band (super!); and many people, both Belgium and Dutch. They all walked ahead of us to the church while we rode in the taxi.

As we arrived at St. Clemens Catholic Church of Minderhout, people were lined up on each side of the walkway, with small children in front of them. Each child held a small American Flag. This was a real highlight and touched me deeply. More tears.

The church had been built in the early 1600's. The stained glass windows caught my eyes first. Beautiful, beautiful!

They seated us on the front row pews on each side of the church. Bill Kirlin's picture had been placed on the front of the podium.

The prayers, scriptures, music and messages of the priests were printed in both Belgium (or Dutch - did not know which) and English. Arie de Jong was Master of Ceremonies. George Sadler's speech was in Dutch, so we understood not a word. I expect he said, "thank you."

As everyone sang in Belgium, I sang in English. "Abide with Me." "Land of Hope and Glory." However, I only hummed along on "Now We Thank Thee All Our God." Could not match up our words and music with theirs.

Kristen Hermans sang "Be Thou with Me" and "Ave Maria." It was perfectly beautiful.

A prayer of thanksgiving was offered for William Kirlin, who gave his life for his country, and for the countries which had to be liberated from an enemy. Also offered was a prayer for peace to reign over all the world, in families and communities. What a wonderful experience! I shall never forget it!

Day 4 - Sunday, September 18 (continued)

The sermon by the parish priest, Louis Swaegers, was so special that I must include it:

"One summer evening, I was 9 in those days, a squadron of Allied bombers, heading for Germany, came flying past. The windows were shaking by the close beat of the roaring engines.

About 1 A.M., we could hear them returning. Looking

through the window, we saw some German fighters harassing a burning bomber.

It swooped in flames over our house and crashed down in our neighbor's yard, where it ploughed its engines into the ground through the silos filled with fodder. A blazing fire in the black night. Five Allied airmen were killed in the burning plane. They were buried in the yard.

A sixth airman crashed down one kilometer from there. They found him, sitting crushed in the tail end and still holding his machine gun.

I will always remember this. Children as we were, we were fascinated by the thrilling experience, but unaware of the tragedy that came over some families; a tragedy that would never be healed, not even 50 years later.

There is a lot to tell about the wartime in Loenhout. In the same way, Minderhout Castelre has its own story. These stories reveal us persons possessing a magnanimity of soul and a strong devotion for freedom; persons who were ready to lay down their lives for great ideals. As a matter of fact, a lot of people paid their debt to deliverance with their lives. One of them was William Kirlin. Others had a narrow escape from death. They keep thankful hearts for their salvation, but also painful, and sometimes bitter feelings for the loss of their comrades and friends.

In a war we are all losers!

Now, after 50 years, we think back to those events, not to feel bitterness, but to prevent time being forgetful of this part of our history, and also to commemorate our liberators, and hold in reverence those who risked, or lost their lives.

Time easily forgets, and indifference is threatening.

'Every man for himself is a common saying. Prosperity is filling up our lives, but locking up our hearts. When we watch images of people in distress, we easily say, or at least think, "It's not me. Let every pedlar carry his own burden."

That is the earthly wisdom Saint James is talking about. Self-seeking ambition, jealousy and boasting rule our lives. Headstrong indifference is a dangerous vice.

William Kirlin is the inspiring example of the true values possessed by our liberators. He chose to save the first pilot's life, to stand by him at the crash landing. He was ready to sacrifice his life for his comrade.

To him the Son of Man will say at Judgement Day, "I tell you solemnly, insofar as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did to me."

Today, we honor him together with his friends, and we set up this memorial for them. Then let it symbolize this agreement;

'We thank you for your dedication to our freedom. We dedicate ourselves to the freedom you risked your life for, and died for.'

In this spirit, let us say prayers and thanksgiving and dedication."

After the church service, we left in the taxi, stopping at Restaurant De Zwaan at Castelre for refreshments and to meet many people we had not yet met, then on to the crash site. A host of people, including the band, had arrived ahead of us. As we approached the narrow road that led to the site, I began to have cold chills. It was not cold! In fact, the sun was shining. Because it had previously rained off and on, the planes they had planned to fly over could not fly. It was just the thought that here we are about to stand on the ground exactly where "Baggy Maggy" had crashed 50 years ago. They had timed it so that we would be there at the exact time of day that it had crashed.

Day 4 - Sunday, September 18 (continued)

An awning had been built over the crash site and chairs placed under it for us to sit in. Others sat behind us and several hundred people were standing.

The Burgomasters from both Baarle-Nassau and Baarle-Hertog, along with Jos and Arie, gave welcome speeches in Dutch. Then came the unveiling of the monument to Bill Kirlin. The American Flag had been raised and the band played so beautifully "The Star Spangled Banner." They had no director - just played - every note perfectly. Of course, everyone stood as they played.

Gertrude Stuber, in a very gracious manner, thanked all the people for such a special time and for all the time spent in preparation for it. Many flowers were then placed around the marker. At Gertrude's request, these flowers were later taken to a rest home.

The Dutch and Belgium people will be eternally grateful to America for its part in the liberation of their land. "Thanks" was in every speech and every conversation.

While we were at the crash site, Richard talked with three men who had witnessed the crash. There was no doubt in his mind, from what they told him about what they saw, that they had truly witnessed the crash.

As we got back into the taxi and headed for Inn Holland to eat, we were all quiet again, thinking about another wonderful day.

When we arrived at Inn Holland, our hosts told us that what was to be served tonight was a secret - even to them. What a nice surprise to us, also.

As soon as we were seated, they brought omelets in oversized skillets. Each one had been cut into slices (like pie or pizza) with a slice of ham on each slice of omelet. Delicious! We forgot about cholesterol, fat and everything else! Just enjoyed each bite, because I never ever have had an omelet as tasty as these. When one skillet had been emptied, here they came with another. Richard and I split the second slice as they were such big sl ices.

After we had eaten, they asked if we would like to see a crossbow. I certainly had never seen a crossbow, so I went with the men to a building behind the restaurant eager to see what one looked 1ike.

Day 4 - Sunday, September 18 (continued)

They had two bows set up for target practice. We watched some of the men who were very good at shooting them. They hit the target most every time, but when George, Shab and Richard took their turns, it was a different story. Unfortunately, they only hit the side of the building. Well, at least they will be able to tell everyone, "I shot a crossbow while I was in Holland."

When we returned to our hotel, Sue suggested that we get a piece of pie to help us get unwound before retiring. We found out that in Holland they only bake pies and cakes for special occasions, mostly for birthdays.

We decided to try an apple dessert...something like a strudel. Very good; ice cream on top.

We chatted only a short time, then off to bed. Monday's scheduled indicated another special and busy day.

Day 5 - Monday, September 19

Breakfast early. Left by bus for "American Cemetery The Netherlands" at Margraten in Southeast Netherlands, between Aachen and Maastricht.

Lunched at Maastricht Airport Restaurant. I had Chicken Hawaiian. Delicious...as was all the food in Holland, we learned that the airport had been built by the U.S. during World War II.

After lunch, again courtesy of our hosts, we left for the cemetery. As we entered the drive, it was like a beautiful meadow, with apple trees loaded to capacity; so full that the ground around the trees was also covered. Other trees: oak, hawthorn and maple enhanced the beauty of the drive.

This road in front of the cemetery had been used by Napoleon in his first conquest of this region. Then in May 1940, it was one of the main routes of the Nazis' attack on the Netherlands and Belgium. Maastricht was the first large city to be captured.

Leaving the bus, we registered at the Visitors Center. In the museum, we saw maps depicting the military campaigns in Europe, from the landings in Normandy to the enemy's surrender on May 8, 1945. Another map showed the campaigns in the Pacific.

On the memorial walls on both sides of the beautifully landscaped grounds, we saw names of more that 1,722 servicemen still listed as missing in action. George and Richard found the names of three men that they had been with since their training days.

My thoughts went back to two telegrams.

Day 5 - Monday, September 19

Breakfast early. Left by bus for "American Cemetery The Netherlands" at Margraten in Southeast Netherlands, between Aachen and Maastricht.

Lunched at Maastricht Airport Restaurant. I had Chicken Hawaiian. Delicious...as was all the food in Holland, we learned that the airport had been built by the U.S. during World War II.

My thoughts went back to two telegrams.

I shed tears for the 1,722 families who never received a second telegram and never heard from their loved ones. I silently thanked God for these years that I have had with Richard.

We walked down to the white marble headstone crosses which marked the graves of 8,300 Americans who had given their lives in service for their country. A Star of David marked each Jewish grave, while Latin crosses marked all the others. The American war dead came from every state in the Union, the District of Columbia, Canada and Mexico, we placed flowers on Bill Kirlin's grave. I noted that fresh flowers were being placed on each of the other graves.

Day 5 - Monday, September 19 (continued)

On the trip back, there was a reverent quietness, each of us having his or her own thoughts.

We arrived back at The Angel in time to freshen up for drinks (7-UP for Richard and me) with the Committee across the street from the hotel. From there, we went to the farewell dinner at Restaurant Wapen-van Nassau.

The owner gave each of us a welcome written on parchment paper. In part it said:

The dishes we are serving you tonight are typically Dutch plates, carefully chosen and prepared for this occasion as a token of appreciation, taking into account what you have meant, and still mean to us.

Signed: The Bax Family

Entree; Wild Rabbit!!

After dinner, more gifts - a bronze medallion with "1944-1994" on it and the word "grateful" in four languages; a commemorative silver coin celebrating 1,000 years since Baarle-Nassau and Baarle-Hertog were established; plus a Baggy Maggy File. Jos and Ed had spent many, many hours compiling the book, and Nicole had spent much time putting it together. Words cannot describe how special this book is.

Eugene Shabatura presented to the Committee a World War II book, which he had purchased for all of us to give. Gertrude Stuber presented a set of U.S. commemorative coins to the seven Committee members who were present.

As we said good-bye to everyone, there were tears of both joy and sadness - joy for the blessing God had allowed us in being there - sadness for leaving all those special people who had now become a part of our lives and whom we would remember forever.

We went back to The Angel, but it was so hard to sleep with our minds so full of the events of the past four days.

Day 6 - Tuesday, September 20

Awoke to a heavy rain; I believe it was the hardest rain we had seen while in Holland. We dressed early so we could see the others once more before they left for the airport. We were not leaving as early as the others, because we had planned to spend a couple of days in Amsterdam before returning to Houston.

Con and Agatha Wolters were going to a birthday celebration at Con's sister's house in Amsterdam, so they were able to drop us off at our hotel there.

When Richard and I got downstairs, here came Ad Jacobs with a bottle of wine for each of us from Rabobank where he worked. I had enjoyed being with his wife, Jose. She did not talk too much, but her beautiful smile always welcomed us.

Again, it was good-bye to Gertrude and Sue who live in Pennsylvania, Shab who lives in Duluth, Minnesota, and George who lives in Richmond, Virginia. We had shared so many wonderful things that there was a closeness, like family. Who knew how long it might be before we would see them again? They all live a long way from Texas!

We had reservations at the Tulip Barbazon Palace Hotel, a 5-star hotel. Richard commented that we had never stayed in a 5-star hotel before but that we had stayed in a 3-star hotel once. It rained most of the way to Amsterdam. Traffic was bumper to bumper, and completely stopped for about a half hour. However, we thoroughly enjoyed visiting with Con and Agaath. She gave us tulip bulbs, and they are now planted around the tree in my front yard.

As we got into Amsterdam, Con knew exactly where to go. We were on the right street, across from the train station, but our attention was so diverted by all the activity that we forgot to help him watch for the hotel. We missed it! He was trying to circle around to get back where we should be. Guess where we ended up? Right in the middle of the 'red light district.' Con was beside himself and said, " Everybody close your eyes!" Of course, we did not.

Day 6 - Tuesday, September 20 (continued)

Before we had left Houston, several people said (I hope jokingly), "Do not miss seeing the 'red light district' in Amsterdam. Prostitution is legal there." Well, it was not on our schedule but thanks to Con, we got a tour. No harm done. I have never seen anyone so embarrassed as he was. It did not seem to bother Agatha one bit; I think she rather enjoyed it! On the Christmas card we received from them, he again apologized for the error on his part.

Con did get us back to the hotel, and they saw us inside before they left. I hope they were not late to the birthday celebration on.

We had planned to catch a train and go down to Den Hague, but by the time we got to our room, we decided that a nap was necessary. The nap ended several hours later. We woke up about 7:00 P.M., dressed for bed and crawled back in, still feeling exhausted.

Day 7 - Wednesday, September 21

Woke up about 5:00 A.M. Early. However, I guess after 15 hours of sleep, it was time to get up.

We went to breakfast in the hotel about 7:00 A.M. and ate a leisurely one - buffet style - typical Dutch breakfast. Breakfast was Included In the hotel bill which had all been prepaid (except, of course, the tip).

We took a boat trip down a canal, and our first stop was at the Ann Frank House. As we waited in line to get in, I recalled taking our children to see the movie, "Ann Frank's Diary."

Some of the stairs up to the attic where they lived were spiral and difficult to climb. I was very careful, because I had broken ribs that were in the healing process.

We saw the revolving bookcase that had been especially made to hide the entrance to the upper floor rooms where the Frank family lived. During a two-year period, Ann Frank had kept her diary, describing her daily life during hiding.

One room had a display of her diary published in 55 languages. It was interesting to note that the first edition printed was in Dutch in 1947.

While we were there, a teacher had brought his class for a special learning experience. They looked like early high school students. By asking one of them, I learned they were from Amsterdam. They each had a questionnaire of several pages attached to clipboards and were hunting for answers among the tons of reading materials, displays, and pictures on the walls. (Reminded me of the Fox Fire Books. Richard and I love them and have the set.) This teacher knows that children learn by doing.

One thing was very interesting to me. On a large poster, it said that Europe was like a patchwork quilt. It would be impossible to divide it into states in such way that each country would be composed of people who spoke the same language. On another poster, it said that nationalism was neither right nor left. It was a strong feeling of pride and connection with your country and the people who live there.

Day 7 - Wednesday, September 21 (continued)

We took our time absorbing as much as we could, because we felt this was the one chance in a lifetime to visit the Ann Frank House.

The only thing I turned away from were the giant pictures of the Jewish victims of Nazi persecution during World War II.

When we left the Frank house, we walked several blocks to Museum. It was very interesting, and Richard took a pictures which turned out great. There early Bible history, plus replicas of Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant. many different languages. Some of these many years before King James had his translators 1611). The Flower Mart was the next place we visited. It had plants galore and bulbs and seeds of many kinds. All had been inspected and were ready for sale to tourists to take back to their home, I did.

There was so much to see, and our time and energy was so limited. We passed many places and would loved to have stopped. Rembrandt's "Nightwatch" was on display at Rijksmusem Amsterdam; Rembrandt House and Van Gogh Museum were some of the places it would have been exciting to see. However, if we ever get to Holland again, it will be to Baarle-Nassau and Baarle-Hertog, because they have such a special place in our hearts.

Day 8 - Thursday, September 22, 1994

Arose early. Finished packing. Breakfast again at the hotel. We boarded the KLM van to the airport and had a little time to shop before our plane left at 10:30 A.M.

I hurried so with the shopping. I felt as though I had won a shopping spree in a grocery store and was trying to get all I could in the cart before the time ran out. Richard was my cart. He was not only trying to keep up with my purchases but paying for them, also. Meanwhile, I was shopping for more.

I shopped for everyone on my list, and I asked Richard if there was any money left. He said, "A little," so I bought a canvas tote bag with tulips of all colors painted on it. I also purchased a small Delft Blue Plate with a windmill scene on it. This was like having my cake and eating it, too.

We boarded our plane and found our seats by the window. (We also had window seats on our trip to Amsterdam) I wondered how I would get the carry-on in the overhead compartment. Richard is not supposed to lift more than five pounds, and there was no way I could have lifted it, even if I did not have broken ribs. A Houston friend had loaned us a carry-on with wheels which unzipped twice to make more room. It was so full of the items which we had purchased, plus the two bottles of wine Ad had given us the morning we left Baarle-Nassau. It was heavy and I was in a dilemma - hold it on my lap or get it up. My dilemma was soon solved by a young Texas in cowboy boots and western clothes. He very graciously put it up for me, and when we had landed, he took it down. If the wine had not been on the bottom, I would have parted with a bottle of it. Poor fellow only got a smile and my "thank you."

The return trip was nothing to speak of. The plane was crowded and there were lots of children running up and down and around chasing each other. You entered the aisle at your own risk.

It was a long trip (10 hours). Left Amsterdam at 10:30 A.M. and arrived in Houston at 1:30 P.M. We went through seven time zones.

Day 8 - Thursday, September 22 (continued)

After watching for our bags on the turn-around, which seemed like an eternity, they finally came and we headed for Customs Gate. We were near exhaustion and customs was no problem. One look at us weary travelers and I am sure that the man who checked us through thought we were not going to make it anyway.

Camille was waiting for us and I was very glad the children would not let us take our car and park it several miles away from the airport in a parking lot. We would have had the hassle of getting our bags loaded into an airport van, then another ride to our car and then the drive home. We were in no condition to drive ourselves home.

When we arrived home and entered the house, my music box chime clock was playing "There's No Place Like Home." Well, home is fine, but there's no place like Holland!!

Thank you, Baarle-Nassau and Baarle-Hertog - each and everyone who had a part in making our visit there so delightful.

Lucy Faye Scott

Site Navigation