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Zaandam, Netherlands

There was a bit of rain this morning but we were not phased as we had packed for it, so we put on our wet weather gear and set off to view some windmills near Zaandam. Vernon’s blue “mack in a sack” rain jacket has given rise to a new name; Smervin as he looks like a smurf.

While we were waiting for a tram a huge boat went through the canal which Vern finds very fascinating. Personally my attention was drawn to the herring truck also near the bridge crossing and decided to try a herring in a roll this time – with onions and pickles of course. Had the best health day ever – they are genuinely very therapeutic, but again no affection from husband, and I thought he was from sea faring Viking stock – bah!

We transferred at central station and got a train to Zaandam, and then Zaanse Schans where there are 5 windmills you can view. They have been restored to working order and you pay a small fee to go inside and see how things are done. We went inside one that extracted peanut oil. It smelt lovely and was interesting and impressive in its simplicity, scale, and strength.

In the surrounding paddocks there are little black windmills that pump the water from the land that look like darlicks from Dr Who. They were cute in comparison to the large industrial work horses and it is good to see how they are still used very efficiently today.

There is also a traditional village at Zannse Schans set around picturesque tiny canals. The houses appear lived in with expensive cars parked outside, so its not just a display village. We enjoyed a pleasant lunch in a distillery – pub which had a delightful atmosphere of dark low wooden ceilings, candles, lace curtains, and a warm fire. We got served a free liqueur topped with cream with our meal which today was chicken soup, cheese and salad roll and Oma’s apple pie.

After lunch we nibbled our way through a cheese factory specialising in Gouda and sampled every one available; our favourites being the aged goat and sheep gouda and a lovely natural subtle smoked cheese.

That dreaded wind was out again – man is it bitter cold. I am having to wear a hat to stop getting hypothermia, and am pleased that I packed my merino possum one. We then headed back to town and grabbed a bite to eat – Argentinian grill before taking ourselves through the red light district.

What to say on that one? It is set in a very nice old area and is tidy and clean. Ironically it surrounds half of a big historic church’s courtyard where a few streets with multiple branching narrow lanes display the ‘ladies’ of the night in large single windows of the tiny rooms. Just room for a single bed and walk around really like a small ship cabin. Lots of curtains were shut, so I don’t know if business was good or we were too early … The women on display looked happy enough and there were loads of tourists and punters about at 7pm.

I don’t get the whole impersonal pay for where everyone else has been thing, but I guess others do, as its been around for centuries. So – “check” we have been and seen and off we went to explore more of the canals at night and get a coffee – Vernon’s romantic idea.

No coffee shops were open near the canals only restaurants – however as we had already eaten we just kept walking and wandering around the Jordaan region heading in the general direction of home. It was magical seeing the sun disappear allowing the reflections of golden glowing lamps and twinkling bridge lights in the water ways.

As romantic as it was and despite walking for over an hour we became increasingly cold. We had got as far as Leidesplein, a trendy cafe night area about middle ring of the city when the sweet warm aroma of hot waffles wafted by our chilly nostrils. Like hunting dogs on a scent we found the shop and put in our order, topped with movinpick vanilla ice cream, cream and maple syrup. Nom Nom oh and a big hot coffee.

It was after 10pm so we took a tram for our last leg home (only 10 mins) and warmed ourselves with our delicious liqueur before falling into bed. I can see how people in cold climates enjoy their schnapps and the like. Even Vernon is having a shot or two Bahahaha.

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