Chapter 4 - fitting in

Although the first few weeks were quite a transition, the whole eat-work-eat-work-eat-sleep-repeat cycle of life on the farm soon became a delightful routine. I also cherished life both with the animals, and with my accepting Dutch family. Life on the farm is seven day a week work, and I very much looked forward to Sundays when we would take it a little easy. Finally our first holiday arrived with Wit Sunday and Wit Monday hitting in early June. I had been there about six weeks, and really was starting to settle in. On Sunday we had an enormous feast. (Honestly I could now out eat Emma, even though she was at least six inches taller and much heavier.) On Monday all of us kids decided it would be fun to head into town. For kicks I decided it would be fun to wear my street clothing from back at home---except that none of it fit! I had not really noticed any changes in my body, although with every day I was feeling less sore. Trying on my extra small t-shirt it could not possibly contain my shoulders, not to mention my belly. Fortunately no one noticed, so I put on my still loose farm clothes. Emma rowed us back to shore, and I put shoes on for the first time since arriving. Although my shoes fit, they did look a little weird with my traditional Dutch farmers outfit. Emma suggested that we pick up a pair of wooden clogs when we went into town.

The three of us grabbed bicycles and headed into town. Living on a farm Lea never had time to make baked goods, and apparently these were a tasty part of Dutch cuisine. Emma had quite the sweet tooth and insisted that we all head to the best bakery in town. To celebrate the holiday, she ordered one of everything and insisted that I have a taste. I can't say whether I loved the Spekkoek which is a layered spice cake or the Slagroomtaart cream cake more, so I had second slices of both. Emma bought two cakes to take home, saying that they tasted much better with raw farm milk than the pasteurized stuff available in town. We went to the market to look for clogs. Eventually I found a pair that fit in the women's section, which of course resulted in endless teasing. No one knew what American sizes were (I'm a men's 6 at home), but a 40 seemed to fit quite well. The shoe store had a mirror, and it was clear that I had filled out a little bit. The hollows in my face looked a little less sharp, and I also was starting to develop a healthy glow from life on the farm.

Before we headed out, Jan insisted that we stop at the one American restaurant in town so that I'd feel at home. It was one of those 1950s-style hamburger restaurants that makes its own milkshakes and cuts its own fries. Jan challenged me to eat their largest burger, the Awful Awful. It was a full pound of beef, a pound of fries and a big thick chocolate milkshake. Back at home I would have never had the confidence (or appetite) to handle such a meal. Emma said she would join, too. The waiter thought it would be fun to time us, so we all sat at the counter. Now, while this was an American themed-restaurant the tables were made for Dutch-sized people which meant I could stare just above the counter. The waiter placed the burger, fries and shake in front of us and said 3-2-1. This feast of gluttony began with Jan just inhaling his cheeseburger. Emma alternated between burger and fries. I tried to tackle all at once. After a fast start, Jan started to slow down. The always competitive Emma pulled into the lead, licking her lips after finishing the burger and fries in three minutes flat. A few bites behind, I wanted to make sure she did not win. Jan was behind us both, but had a trick up his sleeve. Emma finished first, while us guys both finished about the same time. Jan suggested that for a run off, he and I could see who could polish off a hot dog the fastest. This time I won, and although feeling incredibly full was proud of my accomplishment. Emma suggested that we celebrate by sharing an ice cream sundae. While it was being prepared, I headed off to the bathroom and noticed a scale. Not having weighed myself since arriving, I thought it would be fun to take a peak. Inserting a coin, the dials started whirring. The dial stopped just past 64 kilograms. I figured it was a few more than when I had arrived, but figured some was from the gluttony of the day.

We jumped back on our bikes to head back to the pier. I was so stuffed my breath was labored. Not wanting any more teasing I just pushed forward. Around sunset we arrived, and Emma rowed the boat back to the island barely breaking a sweat. I left my shoes onshore happy for the excursion, but looking forward to feel the soft grass under my feet. We walked (although I must confess my walk was almost a waddle) back to the farmhouse where Leah had prepared yet another large dinner. Not wanting to admit to spending so much money on food, we all took seconds and thirds. Somehow I kept up with Jan, but wow was I full. Once I reached my bedroom my clothes fell straight to the floor. My stomach in pain from so much food, I gave myself a belly rub to help with digestion. I looked down and was proud of my new muscle, even if covered up in a little soft thickness. Heading to sleep I had happy dreams and looked forward to some hard work the next day.