Kampen

This is Kampen. We don''t have any ancestors that we have traced to this town but our last name means "from Kampen" - so we feel a love for this town. It sits on the Ijssel River in Eastern Netherlands. Growing up - we always had a framed map of Kampen hanging somewhere in our house. Because we moved a lot the location changed - but I remember it hanging over the fireplace. . . I saw it every day. So it is fun to come here and feel a connection to this place.  
Grandma and Grandpa Van Kampen in Kampen with Natalie, Eliza and Rachel
We arrived on Sunday afternoon. It was refreshing to see all the shops closed and hear music coming from one of the old churches we walked by.  We were happy that an ice cream parlor was open. The ice cream was awesome. I know some of you are thinking - it couldn't be better than Cold Stone or Graeters -but it was. I had a flavor that translated to "Grandma's yellow cake batter." It was awesome. 

While we were in Kampen, we walked along the banks of the river, where large sail boats are docked. Behind us is ultra-modern looking drawbridge that is a contrast to the old city. Actually, in the first picture of this post - you can see a drawing of the drawbridge on the top flag hanging between the buildings.