Anne Frank House, perhaps the pinnacle of the trip.

During this road trip of  nearly 3 months, 6 thousand miles and 15 countries Ruby has undoubtable seen and learnt a lot.

Presently she has been reading Anne Franks Diary and was very keen to visit her home. It was a long drive but I was happy to encourage her interest. We arrived in Amsterdam late on the monday 14th of November but felt it was not quite a suitable birthday present so I booked tickets for the Wednesday 16th, the day after her birthday. We were able to have introduction to the house and annex by a young Dutch lady who also introduced us, by way of photographs, to other members of her family and friends that she shared the hide out with. here

 

Even with having some knowledge of the story it was not possible to be unaffected by the experience. I am sure I was not the only one struggling to keep the tears at bay.

Ruby has always shown an interest in both the 1st and 2nd World Wars and I think it's important to let children know something about the nonsense of war. 

When we got back to the apartment Ruby researched more and discovered a movie made in 2001 with Ben Kingsley as Otto Frank and a totally amazing Hannah Taylor Gordon playing Anne.

Actually originally, a series for TV, it was in two parts. I may not have let Ruby watch the 2nd part had I known just how harrowing it was.

I feel proud to have been part of Ruby's education into understanding how abhorrent racism is and how easily, seemingly decent people, can be persuaded by despots and others to follow their evil ways.

I feel confident that Ruby will be and inspiration and set an example to anyone she meets who might otherwise have tendencies to be led along such profoundly negative paths. 

We did have a great day on her birthday see photos

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