Extreme Beachcombing on Christmas Day

When a Dutch explorer by the name of Abel Tasman sighted a landmass in the southwestern Pacific back in the 17th century and called it Nieuw-Zeeland, it was actually named after the Dutch province of Zeeland. The name, although anglicized by James Cook stuck and became New Zealand.

Anyway, in our quest for a location involving beach and ocean we decided on a trip to 'Old Zealand', as New Zealand was just a tad bit too far away. Given the balmy temperatures of 11C (52F) we would probably be able to go swimming in the North Sea as well.

Zeeland is actually the westernmost province of the Netherlands bordering Belgium, a large river delta consisting of several islands and marshland turned into habitable land over centuries. Hence the name: Zeeland means 'sea land'.

We 'kidnapped' Sonja's mom for the holidays. And both being from northern Germany, like mother, like daughter, she loves the ocean as much as Sonja does.

Easy entertainment, Roland thought, while the ladies would comb the beach he could sit back comfortably in the cosy rental apartment, and watch telly. (As if said ladies would let him…)

The weather was a bit crazy. It was way too warm given that winter had just begun, and we felt overdressed for the occasion. The wind however was nasty, and the gales blew with 70 to 80 km/h.

As a matter of fact walking on the beach in the soft sand and leaning into the wind became quite the exercise. But that's exactly was what we wanted to clear the head and to get rid of some extra pounds we would certainly regain during the holiday feast.

With spending time outside walking against the storm there came the need for food and the warmth of a dry place.

Sonja's mom spotted a sign that looked promising, and so we found this lovely cafe pavillion in Domburg, overlooking the ocean.

It was just the perfect spot to enjoy a surprisingly good and creative lunch and spend the afternoon with a good cuppa while watching the waves pounding the beach.

 Live is good!