Having met their new friends Hans and Ynskje in Scotland the previous year, Malcolm and Brenda went to stay with them in Amsterdam in 1974. Their route was by ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland where they were met.

Their Dutch friends were living in an apartment in a huge block of flats in the Amsterdam suburb of Bijlmemeer. From there they were taken out on trips around the towns and countryside.

Whilst staying there, they were treated to some of the typically Dutch food and drink. The smoked eel was very nice but Malcolm particularly took to the salted herrings which went down well with a bottle of lager. Jenever was a drink that pleased and Malcolm took a bottle home.