04/22/16 day 20: Eindhoven, NL

Up a little after nine to the sound of chickens and birds singing outside. Sounded like they were in the room. How thin these walls? Very thin. Sun had to fight to make an appearance so it was a little chilly in the shack when I put a pot of coffee on and had some yogurt and granola for breakfast.

Chris, Jeff and I hit the road to Eindhoven to pick up "small man" aka "party schnitzel" aka "slow hand" aka "peter" at 12:45. He was waiting with a big smile when we rolled up. Apparently he had fun on his excursion. He also enjoyed Früh Kölsch, which made me feel like a proud dad. We parked the car in the lot next to the train station and did a small walk about. Eindhoven is nice. Very walkable, Dutch and pretty busy for a Friday day. There are these subtle differences between cultures were I a good writer, I'd be able to articulate. In the absence of that talent, suffice it to say these countries have their differences, okay?! God, why do you think Western Europe is all the same?!? It's not all cobblestone streets and castles on a hill.... Sheesh.... Americans...

We hit the pedestrian zone and walked by loads of restaurants and shops. 

Kroketten fresh from the street side vending machine which keeps them warm. Not sure who makes them but who cares? These are delicious deep fried Twinkie shaped potato and meat goodness... And America calls it the greatest nation on the planet. I beg to differ. This shit is over the top.

Just another normal Dutch building on our walk... Don't mind the shoes. 

Drove back to the shack at 3:30 for a short power down and off to the venue to meet Paul our fearless promoter around 5:15. We are playing tonight in a mixed use facility. A kind of neighborhood spot with a gym and dance studio attached. We set up and did a quick sound check. Everything sounded good so we drove ten minutes to Paul's sisters house for a home cooked meal. It's special to have friends who take good care of you! It makes such a difference... And this felt like family. Really an honor to be welcomed into this space. Plus it was delicious...

The band with Paul and Chris. Dinner was homemade vegetable soup with French bread and Bousin cheese, then risotto with cauliflower, then asparagus pie, green salad, and cupcakes from Paul's girlfriend Daphne who couldn't join us tonight but is here in spirit.

Jopen, straight from Haarlem, NL. So good....

This cat... Back at the venue putting on our game faces. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you, the Menace of Manchester, Chris Gonzalez...

Had a nice crowd of folks tonight. A bunch from our show in Haarlem from Fall of '14 who brought more folks. A bunch of family from Paul too. It was nice and vibey. Crowd was reserved but not as reserved as Austria, I felt. We got 'em singing Printemps though and the vibe was nice. That song is goofy but good to get the crowd activated.

Back at the shack for a post gig run down. It's nice to be back in Holland. Looking forward to the rest of the shows this weekend.