A Home Away from Home

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When we woke the next morning, we were excited and ready for the short trip to our family with a few pitstops along the way. Our first stop was at the scenic village of Zaanse Schans, a modern example of a historic Dutch village. Among all of the shops and windmills, there was a clog (traditional wooden shoe) museum and workshop. It was quite interesting to learn about and to watch craftsmen produce these shoes the same way they were many years ago. Another important past of Dutch history that we experienced was the crossing of a dike. Before reaching our destination, we stopped in the bustling town of Sneek for an incredible dinner. When we finally made it to Bovensmilde, our home for the next couple of days, we had a short visit with family members we hadn't seen for years before retiring for the night.

After a great Dutch breakfast, we headed out for a day of discovery, we met more relatives, and went to the place where Adam and Jon’s Pake (grandfather in Frisian) was born. Also on the trip we went to Drachten, where they are in the process of getting rid of a road to make a beach/canal, and an ancient tomb site, made with giant rocks (Hunabedden). The last thing we did was to hike through a forest that provided astronomical information and led past a radio telescope. The trail ended at Kamp Westerbork, a concentration camp that sent people to Auschwitz. It once again gave us a chance to reflect on the magnitude of lives lost to and affected by WWII and the Holocaust. We then returned to what was beginning to feel like a home away from home, we met more family, and enjoyed a nice meal. It was also later this evening that Adam and Jon attempted to learn some Dutch by reading the newspaper comics, this was somewhat successful or maybe more comical…

This next day was to be one full of exercise. We were to go on 50+ km bike through the countryside. The bikes were very nice, and this time we didn't have to worry about being hit by any cars because in the area we were in, cycles had their own roads. Our first stop was to one of the last functioning wind mills in the Netherlands, still acting as a spice mill, corn mill, and oil press. We also met more family at the wind mill, but unfortunately we couldn't visit with them long, but it was nice at least to say hello. Also near the windmill there was a market, and after shopping there for a little bit, we went to an art exhibit. Inside the building, there were massive sculptures made of tightly packed sand. It was quite amazing! Carved into and made from the sand was a history about The Netherlands, from the time of hunter gatherers, to Napoleon’s invasion, to Van Gogh. While walking through this massive room of sculptures, we met quite an enthusiastic fellow, who seemed to be quite a fan of Canada. Near the end of the room, he commented on Adam’s knowledge of who some of the sand statues were, and also showed himself to be somewhat of a magician, turning a handkerchief into a walking stick, and making his hand smoke.

That night we went for dinner at an “all you can eat and drink in 2 and a half hours” buffet. After reckless consumption of food and beverage, we felt somewhat odd and energetic, resulting in a car ride home with karaoke, most likely scaring and disappointing our Holland Family, who are part of an actual choir… it seems clear talent runs in the family! This was our last night with them, and after another short attempt at learning Dutch, we went to bed. Many Thank-You's to our Holland family for making our time in Holland so enjoyable and feeling like we were at home.

The last day before concluding our vacation travels, we stopped at a planetarium in Franeker. It was made by Eise Eisenga in the1770's much like a large watch, but it covered the entire ceiling in a room of the house. It is still accurate now! After arriving at the final hotel, we packed our things and prepared for the flight home (back to Canada!)

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Comments

[Theo van Veenendaal]

your blog about Holland
Dear Vdvs, I have read your travelblog about your visit to Holland and it was very interesting! I am Dutch myself and for my Geography Masterthesis I am doing research among tourist bloggers from abroad. Your blog caught my eye because you visited some less famous places in Holland, like Sneek and Westerbork. It is so interesting to find out why a part of the tourists in Holland visit those less famous places next to the highlights like Amsterdam and its surroundings. That's why I am wondering if I could ask you some questions about your visit, to complement the info in your blog. It won't be a long survey, but more of a short interview-type conversation about your experience and opinion. You would help me a lot and I am also very curious to know about what you think about Holland and the reasons why you choose to visit it. I really hope to hear from you. The interview will be used in a completely anonymous and confidential way. Kind regards, Theo van Veenendaal [e-mail]

[vdvs]

Hi Theo. We would be glad to answer some questions.
Our tour of the area around Drenthe was guided by our cousins, to show us where my father grew up. You can reach us at [e-mail]