Homer's Holland Holiday Home

Well folks, I’ve now recovered from my jetlag and I have begun to settle down in the Netherlands. We are currently staying in a charming little holiday village just outside of Hellevoetsluis.

Today I went exploring my surroundings and I thought I’d show you around.

This is ‘Citta Romana’, the holiday resort where we are staying.

I must admit, although I am a ‘city dog’ at heart, I have really taken to the country life. There is lots of wildlife around for me to explore and a multitude of aromas for me to sniff. (BTW, you can see my house in the background).

This was the villa which we stayed at when we first arrived.

A few days ago, we moved to the villa shown in the picture above.

This is a view of the back of the villa.

Me in my garden.

As I said, there is plenty of wildlife, and I even have my own duck pond at the foot of the back garden.

One of these days, I’m going to catch one of those pesky ducks!

Not far from our villa, there is a beach with a large field next to it. We checked it out today.

I was soon frolicking about like a mad dog.

I was pleased to see more canines around. It looks like I will be able to make many more friends here. This was a Dalmatian which Missus took a snap of.

I was soon back to my mad frolicking.

So far, my Holland adventure has been great. There is so much to do, the scenery is beautiful and the humans have been extremely nice to me. I think I’m going to enjoy it here...

My Actual Journey from Shekou to the Netherlands

I have now reached my new home in the Netherlands. Although the journey was long and stressful for both me and my humans, we managed to take a few pictures along the way.

This was me moments before I left my home in China.




I then boarded a van which took me for an overnight stay in Hong Kong.




My humans and I weren't reunited until we reached Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. This was a snap taken by Missus from the arrival area. I had just been disembarked from my aeroplane.

Well folks, a new country and new adventures to come. I'll keep you posted.

Goodbye China

So, this is it, I am about to leave China.

It would be wrong of me to depart without saying a few words about the country which has been my home for over a year. I have many memories of China, and almost all of them are fond.

During my stay in China, I have experienced some great times, many of which I have shared with you on my blog. My Birthday, Halloween, Christmas and Valentine’s day were all highlights. I’ve also met my grandma from England and made some good friends with humans such as Xiao Chen.

I’ve loved my environment in Shekou. My walks around Coastal Rose Garden, Seaworld and the Promenade have given me hours of sniffing nirvana.

Most importantly, I have made so many new friends. Who could forget Balu, Roy, Lilly, Lichi, Zhuan Zhuan, Archangel, Lewin, Stefan and the many other canine pals that I have introduced to you in my blogs during the past year?

I’ve also met my first girlfriend, Kira. Unfortunately, I also met my second girlfriend, Gertie. (Boy, that was a complicated affair!).

Anyway, before I get too nostalgic and tearful, I will simply say...

Bye bye China, and...

Hello (or hallo) the Netherlands.

About Last Night

As a rule, I don’t often publish the antics of humans on my blog. However, as we are about to leave China, I thought I’d make an exception. Last night, Missus and Dad went out for dinner with some of the ‘humans’ of my dear canine friends. These guys have been wonderful friends to me during my stay in China. I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce them to you in my blog.

You might notice that in amongst the humans, a little canine has sneaked into the picture. Can you spot him?

This is Stefan, my newest little friend. Stefan is a three months old French Bulldog puppy.

He's certainly a character. Have you ever seen a dog sleeping like this?

My Journey from Shekou to Rotterdam

As you know, we will be leaving China and heading for ‘pastures new’ in the Netherlands.

As you can see, the removals company has arrived today. Judging by the boxes, they seem to be packing an awful lot of tigers, but no dogs. Tsk!

While my humans are still packing, I thought I would keep myself busy by working on my blog and planning my itinerary from Shekou to Rotterdam:

The first leg of my journey is from Shekou to Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong.

My ‘chauffeur’ will pick me up on Sunday evening and drive me to a five star doggy hotel. I’ve been told that there is free bed and breakfast (drool…).

Then, on Monday morning, I begin my intercontinental flight from Hong Kong to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Woof! Woof! – More air miles! (Next time I fly, I will demand an upgrade from ‘cargo’ class to first class).

When I reach the Netherlands I have to put my clogs on and hot-foot it from Amsterdam down to a little place call Hellevoetsluis. I will be staying in some holiday villa there for a few days before we find our new permanent home. This is likely to be in Rotterdam.

Got to go, I need to pack my bones.

I Love Your Blog

Helios has given me an award because he LOVES my blog! Thanks Helios! I am so happy! Woof!

For those of you who are unfamiliar, here are some of the perks and conditions for the recipient of an "I Love Your Blog" award:

1. The winner can put the logo on his/her blog.

2. Link the person you received your award from.

3. Nominate at least seven other blogs.

4. Put links of those blogs on yours.

5. Leave a message on the blogs that you've nominated.

So, in accordance with item 3 from above, I would now like to nominate my friends below for an "I Love Your Blog" award:

- Amber Mae

- Dino

- Jackson

- Spencer

- Pipa

- Wire Wise

- Lacy Lulu

Leaving China, Moving To ???

You may remember from my last blog, that packing materials had started to arrive in our house and it looked like we were about to move on. Well, the packing has intensified in the last few days, and it is now official that we are going to leave China.

Amidst all of this activity, I have been getting a little anxious that my humans might forget about me. Following on from my last blog, where I plonked myself in one of the packing boxes, I’ve now tried a few other strategies to make sure that I don’t get left behind…

Plan number one. I can just about fit in Dad’s suitcase. Ta-da!

If plan number one doesn’t work, there’s always plan number two – get “labeled”.

I’ll let you know about plan number three when it comes to me. If you have any ideas, please feel free to let me know.

Anyway, it’s now time to reveal where we’ll be going next. “Drum roll please…”

The Netherlands (or as some people call it, Holland. Or as I’m going to call it, Howl land!)