Tony waiting for train to Enschede which won't be the new streamlined electric train at the other platform, that one is going west to Utrecht and Amsterdam. He will be on a steam train with his uncle to see his Grandma 'Opoe' Leferink in Enschede who will celebrate her 62nd birthday on November 23. Nothing could be more exciting than the once-in-a-while travel on a giant ‘puffing-billy’, a trip of 84km.The departure from Arnhem station with its imposing arched dark interior, where hissing locomotives readied themselves for the long journey. More slamming of heavy doors, animated vocal cords, the solemn announcements of the stationmaster, and then the shrill whistle of departure. Sitting near a window of course was a first priority, a window that could be opened by unlashing and pulling the thick leather strap to led it slide down for a bit of fresh air or a nosefull of carbon monoxide, the coal vapour from its chimney.

Clickety clack, clickety clack, from the track and the wires alongside, sweeping up and down, from pole to passing pole had a us in a hypnotic stance. In summer it cut through rich green pastures where grazing red and white spotted Yssel cattle moved lazily about, than we rumbled over bridges and passed through noisy level crossings, passed sleepy hamlets and picturesque towns, Doesburg, Zutphen were we changed trains to continue to Lochem, Goor, Delden, belching smoke or steam drifting past the window, blocking the view completely at times, finally Hengelo our last stop before Enschede where uncles and aunts dished out wet kisses and warm cuddles. Opoe Leferink at Lipperkerk Street 47a was waiting for us with a big pot of good-smelling peasoup on the stove. A kind, petite and lovable old lady in black, with her dark grey hair in a bun, listened intently and with a warm smile to our stories.