Efteling (06/04)

Officially opened back in 1952 the Efteling is one of the oldest theme parks in the world, one of the highest ranked parks in Europe and the largest in the Netherlands. Needless to say the trek of 3 hours tram-train-train-bus to Tilburg (in the South of the Netherlands) was worth it. I was amazed by the sheer size of the fantastically designed buildings and the 30 odd attractions as we followed the map around the park: everything was designed to be in keeping with the theme of fairy-tales. I really felt like I was in a different world!

We managed to seek out all the red marked rides on the map since they were ‘Only for daredevils’ and surprisingly I didn’t feel the desire to scream in fear or close my eyes on any of the roller-coasters. I’ve definitely toughened up. That said, the swinging ship was just too much for my poor stomach. I did weep through that.

Once arriving it took the rest of the day just to get round the park. We were very fortunate that the queues were never too long, though we could see that the park facilitated for a summer hype. Slightly tired we stopped for an ice-cream at the appropriately named Happiness Station where we could pick our own toppings and flavour ice cream. Stroopwaffel, speculaas, white and milk chocolate and caramel all whipped up together in a strawberry and vanilla cream made me one happy girl. 

Once all the rides had closed around 6pm we headed to the large free water show by the entrance to the park. It was a breath-taking interpretation of the Princess and the Frog with hundreds of amazingly shaped jets of water, fireworks, fire (on the surface of the water!) all set to beautiful music. A great way to end the day.