It is stinking hot here, and as Lara missed her promised swimming trip on Sunday, and again on Monday due to Mac’s trip to the vet, I was under pressure today to deliver. Fortunately, the Dutch have a very relaxed attitude to health, safety and general hygiene, and operate permanent giant paddling pools in many of the parks from May to September. These are remarkably clean and well-looked after and very pleasant places to while away a morning (the afternoons are usually super-hot and very packed).
So Mac went off for his walk with Outlet this morning, and Lara and I set off for the Vondelpark pool. We grabbed a spot in the shade, had a quick play in the sand-pit, and then stripped down (Lara) and greased up (both of us) ready for the paddling pool. A great time was had by all, (most) toys are shared freely amongst the kids, the water is clear and cool, and the deepest is just over Lara’s knees so it’s not at all intimidating for the little ones.
Interestingly, I counted only 4 hats on kids from about 100-150 in the total pool enclosure (there weren’t that many kids in the pool!). And Lara was the only child with sunglasses!
Lara in Vondel Park
