Looking for Dutch "hosts"

servicepub (RIP) · #1 01-12-05, 17:30

My son and a friend are going on the Dutch parachute course in April/May 2006. They are looking for a place to stay the night of 28 April and the night of 7 May (dates may change by a day).
This is a course run by a private firm for the Royal Netherlands Army and is open to anyone who is prepared to pay the price. As my son is bankrolling this trip on his own he hopes to save the cost of two hotel nights.
I realise that the Netherlands is a large country and, if interest is shown by anyone, I will find out exactly where the course is in case it is too far to accept your hospitality.
In return, any MLU'ers visiting Ottawa will always have a bed, breakfast and beer at my place (whether you can help my son or not).

Hanno Spoelstra · #2 01-12-05, 17:42

Quote:

Originally posted by servicepub
I realise that the Netherlands is a large country and, if interest is shown by anyone, I will find out exactly where the course is in case it is too far to accept your hospitality.

Let me know where your course is to be held, and we'll see what us Dutchies can do

H.

servicepub (RIP) · #3 01-12-05, 21:44

Hi Hanno,

The course is on the island of Texel. This is just north of Den Helder. His plane will be landing in Amsterdam.

Map
Thnx,

Clive

Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP) · #4 01-12-05, 21:52

Quite aside the tackling the avails of Dutch hospitality (great beer and even better women), why are not your son and his friend jumping in CADPAT over here? That would seem to be a more philosophically practical approach to that strange world...

:

peter simundson · #5 02-12-05, 01:49

Take lots of $. If it's 1$ here it's 1 Euro there.
Expensive place to visit.

servicepub (RIP) · #6 02-12-05, 04:27

Quote:

Originally posted by Geoff Winnington-Ball
Quite aside the tackling the avails of Dutch hospitality (great beer and even better women), why are not your son and his friend jumping in CADPAT over here? That would seem to be a more philosophically practical approach to that strange world... :

Richard is scheduled for his Cdn course next summer. Jumping out of aircraft is a family tradition and Richard will be the third generation military parachutist. His dad (me) passed the basic parachutist course in 1976. His uncle was a Skyhawk and his grandfather commanded a Mobile Strike Company of the VanDoos and is an honorary Skyhawk.

Tony Smith · #7 02-12-05, 14:27

Quote:

Originally posted by servicepub
Hi Hanno,

The course is on the island of Texel. His plane will be landing in Amsterdam.

Thnx,

Clive

Will he be on the plane when it lands, or will he have exited earlier?

Hanno Spoelstra · #8 02-12-05, 21:01

Quote:

Originally posted by servicepub
The course is on the island of Texel. This is just north of Den Helder. His plane will be landing in Amsterdam.

Hi Clive,

I know Texel well, I had my primary military training there, courtesy of the Royal Dutch Marines. Marched up and down the bl*%dy island a zillion times and crawled up and down its beaches. That was 20 years ago and I never revisited it. Great place if you like jumping out of aircraft, though.

Back to your question: do they need a place to stay the night near the airport or near to Texel? I live close to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, and would be happy to pick them up. I can spare double bed in the attic, and a two-four of our great beer. But those even better women they will have to hunt down themselves

H.

servicepub (RIP) · #9 02-12-05, 21:08

Hanno, That's great. They arrive in Amsterdam on the 29th and go directly to Texel where they will stay the night prior to starting their course. They finish on the 6th or 7 and they may only need the beds for 1 or 2 nights then. They return to Canada on the 8th. At 18 he will be anxious to try to go through as many of your beers, and your women, as he can.

PS, did you receive the books yet?

Hanno Spoelstra · #10 24-04-06, 23:26

Are there any other takers among my fellow countrymen? I'm asking because the problem I have is that I'm very busy and often travelling for work, so I'm having a have a hard time putting Clive's son Richard and his friend up at my place.

Travel to Texel on the day of arrival is no problem, the train leaves to Den Helder (from where they take a ferry to Texel) leaves from under the airport. It leaves every full and half hour, costs €13,30, and it will take you there in 85 minutes. (That is if you don't decide to stop over at Amsterdam to enjoy Queeens Day!)

I'm doing my best to accomodate the guys around the 6th and 7th but I need some help. Anyone?
An alternative would be a youth hostel, but I'm afraid if they stay there they might decide to never leave Amsterdam again...

Thanks,
Hanno

servicepub (RIP) · #11 25-04-06, 03:45

This is Richard, posting under my father's username.
Hanno thank you for the help, it's greatly appreciated! But to let any possible hosts know, I'm traveling alone, no friend; and I've extended my trip a few days to get to see the wonderful country! Many thanks again!

Bob Moseley (RIP) · #12 25-04-06, 13:18

Are you out there and alive? I have your 2pdr photos, have sent several messages but no response.
Bob

servicepub (RIP) · #13 28-04-06, 16:53

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob Moseley
Are you out there and alive? I have your 2pdr photos, have sent several messages but no response.
Bob

Hi Bob,

Just back from 10 days in San Diego/L.A. but was out of e-mail comms. You can reach me at <cliveATservicepub.com>