Sunday, April 30, 2000

Tried to go to church at the (we think) only english-speaking church in Utrecht. Instead, we got lost and wandered around within a hundred yards or so of it and finally found ourselves walking back home; a rather long walk it seemed, especially for Kim, who was wearing dress shoes.

We decided to take the car and go looking for the church. Arrived just as the service was letting out, but the extremely friendly members pulled us in for what they called "the second service" -- coffee/tea in the parsonage. Discovered, to our great amazement, that this english-speaking congregation has been in Utrecht since 1463! Apparently, Scottish wool merchants got permission for English masses and started a church, which became Anglican at some point. It was, during the 80 years war, one of the largest congregations in Utrecht because there were more English soldiers encamped nearby than there were citizens of Utrecht.

When we got back home, I started working again. (I'm not addicted, I can stop working any time I want to. Honest. Wait, I just got another idea...)

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The cheese fondue was excellent. It took me very much by surprise when I tasted it, though--it was a curry cheese fondue. The desserts were also quite good. Also, not very expensive; surely the least expensive fondue we have purchased. So, if you find yourself in Utrecht and hungry for lots of cheese and bread, we recommend De Soepterrine. Not far from Centraal Station, on a narrow alley called Zakkendragerssteeg (a large name for such a small street).