Michigan (It’s Misheegun pl. My daughter nearly passed out when I pronounced it the way it’s written. Didn’t know there was such a French influence here too. Similarly Chicago! But what about Chicken ‘n’ Chips ?
Day 1- Dutch Vill., Dunes & Grand Haven
Howdy folks!
It’s been some time since we last spoke; It’s also been a week since our return from Michigan, where we had a blast. So, this overdue mail.
Leaving in the not so comfy time of afternoon,(Since our SIL was working) and a few unscheduled stops for remembering something forgotten, we hit Rt 40, which would take us to Grand Rapids, via Springfield- Bloomington-Joliet. The GPS (remember this gizmo? I still swear by it) indicated that we would be home by 9:50 pm. However, progress was pretty slow due to construction work on the Highway, what with all left lanes being closed. It was good to see Janu at the wheel , so confident of herself. She’s always been a good driver, as are most of the ladies from my family(There are the exceptions who prove the rule!!)
The Holiday Inn neon sign was a great relief at 11:30pm. This time though, we followed the Army rule of being self-contained for 72 hrs and so, didn’t have to look for a Diner at that late hour. A home- made meal has no, rpt, no substitute. And so to bed.
A quick, but not so light breakfast at Denny’s, and we were off to the Dutch Village, aptly located in Holland, but in USA. Those of you blessed with an elephantine memory, may recall that during our last visit, we spent a day at St. Charles, a small locality in St. Louis & where people still observe the customs, eating/dressing habits, of the Country their ancestors migrated from, to settle in the USA. And so, you will always hear people talk of their origin, and with a lot of pride. The Dutch Village is one such place, where we were transported to the real Holland! Starting from a typical folk dance, we went through the entire gamut of being witness to the making, (& buying of course!)
Candles, pottery, clogs, anything & everything edible, wearable or portable. The Candle making is an amazing piece of art. Dipping the candle in different vats of molten wax, cooling it & then cutting out the design in just 15 mins! It’s worth what they sell it for. For graphic depiction, please go through the array of photographs, so painstakingly taken by us all (or is it we all?)
A quick bite, and a lot of deliberations regarding the next POA, we decided to go to the Sand Dunes of Saugatuk. According to local legend, these dunes were formed due to mass scale tree felling, which resulted in all the sand from the beaches, pile up, almost 350 ft! Also, there was a village called Singapore, inhabited by Indians (Red), which got wiped out by the dunes. So, the He-Men of the family,(need I take names?) , decide to risk life & limb, and take a ride in the 18 seater vehicle.
Since it was closing time, there were just the 2 of us, but just as we were to leave, an Indian Family (Not Red!), of 6 landed up in true style(!) and barged on to the van. The ladies of my clan were a bit skeptical about by my endurance at riding this ‘juggernaut’. So, I assured them A La Gen Macarthur, that “I shall be back!” (scholars of Mil Hist, pl cnfm) Then of course, for about 30 mins., we were subjected to some really breathtaking gradients ( & some well-rehearsed jokes!) All my instinctive reactions, cultivated over the years as a Tankman, came in handy, and I wore a triumphant look, like Caesar’s, when we came back.
Candles, pottery, clogs, anything & everything edible, wearable or portable. The Candle making is an amazing piece of art. Dipping the candle in different vats of molten wax, cooling it & then cutting out the design in just 15 mins! It’s worth what they sell it for. For graphic depiction, please go through the array of photographs, so painstakingly taken by us all (or is it we all?)
A quick bite, and a lot of deliberations regarding the next POA, we decided to go to the Sand Dunes of Saugatuk. According to local legend, these dunes were formed due to mass scale tree felling, which resulted in all the sand from the beaches, pile up, almost 350 ft! Also, there was a village called Singapore, inhabited by Indians (Red), which got wiped out by the dunes. So, the He-Men of the family,(need I take names?) , decide to risk life & limb, and take a ride in the 18 seater vehicle.
Since it was closing time, there were just the 2 of us, but just as we were to leave, an Indian Family (Not Red!), of 6 landed up in true style(!) and barged on to the van. The ladies of my clan were a bit skeptical about by my endurance at riding this ‘juggernaut’. So, I assured them A La Gen Macarthur, that “I shall be back!” (scholars of Mil Hist, pl cnfm) Then of course, for about 30 mins., we were subjected to some really breathtaking gradients ( & some well-rehearsed jokes!) All my instinctive reactions, cultivated over the years as a Tankman, came in handy, and I wore a triumphant look, like Caesar’s, when we came back.
Anyway, before I proceed, I must tell you that in our many attempts to kill up to 4 hours, a stroll on the pier was one such, but at least we could Ooh & Aah at the Yachts of various sizes & configurations. Right out of “The Lives of the(Filthy) Rich & Famous”! As the evening wore on, I realized that I had worn shorts (if that’s what u call these multi-pocketed combines between shorts & Trs) which were not adequate to keep the cold out. So, with the ethos of, Grin & ‘Bare’ it, that’s what I did.
The fountains, frankly didn’t impress much, although the show was a good one, held on a hill across the water body. An hour later, we were back in our rooms, ready to crash for the day.
The fountains, frankly didn’t impress much, although the show was a good one, held on a hill across the water body. An hour later, we were back in our rooms, ready to crash for the day.
That‘s it for now. Watch out for Part 2 of this episode, coming to you shortly.
Till then, TC. . Hope you enjoy my attempt at capturing some good moments etc. As I said in my first mail, it’s my way of saying “Wish you were here” & showing you the US, through my Magic Eye!
Cheers!!
Ashok Gune
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