Day 31--Efteling

 Oh boy. This travel day was one of our hardest.

Elise had been just fine the day before, resting with her dad. She woke up feeling nauseated, and ended up vomiting right before we left our Airbnb to head toward an amusement park called Efteling. This was so upsetting for her—she had been looking forward to Efteling for literally five years. After many tears and a phone call to Nurse Grandma, we decided the culprit was likely a bunch of gummy candy she’d eaten in the past 48 hours. Since she felt just fine after vomiting, we decided to begin the three hour journey.

Luckily, she did just fine in the train and bus rides. She was even able to stand for the 30 minute bus ride to the park.

We arrived at the park only to discover that there was no transportation from the park to our hotel. The only option was to walk through the whole park to the hotel. The walk was easily a mile. The weather was hot and humid. We had a clunky, large, cheap suitcase with wheels that were not up to the challenge of cobblestones throughout the park. Elise hadn’t eaten a thing since vomiting and started to feel faint. We made it to the hotel only to discover that our early check in wasn’t as early as we had hoped. So we hung out in a very cute restaurant sipping expensive sodas until lunch was served.  After lunch, we all felt much better, and were able to check into our room. Fitting five grown people in one hotel room was no minor feat. I had tried to book an additional room when we learned my brother would be joining, but it was not possible. We figured it out, Elise felt just fine, and we headed off to the park. Luckily, it was spectacular and very much worth the trouble.

The amazing Elise braving the train after being so sick. I was incredibly proud of her.

If only we had known the walk that awaited us! Sometimes, calling an Uber for a two mile ride is the best way to preserve your sanity. 

Uncle Andy and the girls strolling up to the entrance with all the luggage. We certainly got some funny looks! 

 

 

Our hotel finally came into view.

Munching away at the restaurant until our room was ready. 

Refreshed and ready to be dazzled by Efteling. 

Did not disappoint! This was a 20 minute boat ride through gorgeous natural scenery.  Comfortable and quiet and cool. Just what we needed. 

Pretty magical. It’s enormous with so many shade trees. The most child-friendly theme park I’ve ever seen.

Amazing dark ride called Symbolica. My girls said it was their favorite theme park ride ever!

We had to buy this amazing family picture. Of course it will hang in our front room.

Incredible three course meals for each of us! This is the adorable caprese salad.

Hilarious.

Dreamy dessert presentations. Our waiter gave us two freebies after hearing we had traveled all the way from Arizona. 

This was my favorite. An apple filled custard and loads of meringue. 

Experiencing the divine through food.