Nieuw Vennep

I had dinner with my friends last night in the small town of Nieuw Vennep, and ended up staying the night on their couch. We had great lamb's meat with potatoes, carrots, peas, and string beans. Followed up by great wine, cheese, and the piece de resistance, 39 year old Congac.

I'm finding people here are just generally more friendly, more open minded, and less comptetitive with one another. I enjoy the atmosphere so much.

I just found out the Police here arrested a kid at a party cause he was really drunk, and today they just released him. Without shoes, a cellphone or anything. He was huddled shivering in front of the station for 3 hours. My friend asked the police repeatedly to get the guy shoes so he could at least walk to some shelter, and 3 times they said they would do something about it.

I opened the door 15 minutes ago to find the guy still shivering in the cold. I had an old pair of Vans in my closet that fit him perfectly so I gave him my old shoes and told him good luck. Hope they find him someplace warm!

Here's to the holiday spirit, eh?