A day in Volendam and Marken

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20km north-east of Amsterdam lies the fishing village of Volendam and, 1/2 hour offshore, the island of Marken.

These villages still exude the charm and tradition of yesteryear and feature the original homes used for hundreds of years by its fisherman inhabitants.

Once upon a time, the villages were host to men and women dressed in traditional garb - the men in balloon-shaped black woollen trousers and black caps, the women in voluminous black wool skirts and colourful embroidered aprons worn over the top, white cotton-embroidered shirts and white lace caps. Sometimes, depending on the wealth and status of the women, coils of gold were worn dangling at their temples. On the feet of all inhabitants were worn the wooden clogs indicative of their lives in their watery homes.

These days, the last of the traditionally-dressed inhabitants have died out and due to the high cost of manufacturing the traditional dress, only on special occasions will you see the costumes on display.

On our arrival in Volendam after 2 bus rides totalling 50 minutes, the wind and rain greeted us and sent us hurtling into the nearest cafe for shelter. We then embarked on a 1/2 hour boat ride to the nearby island of Marken where we lunched and admired the picturesque scenery. By this time, the strong winds had blown away most of the rain and clouds.

Upon our return to Volendam, the sun was beaming out of a brilliant blue sky and the tourists had flocked back out onto the sunny terraces of the cafes and restaurants.

PJ embarked on his new-found fanaticism for souvenir-shops while Corrie and I followed closely behind.

The days seem to fly by extremely fast in Europe and, due to the extended twilight hours (until 10pm) it's not uncommon to have been 'on the road' for 14 hours!

Tomorrow, we depart for the northern-most university city of Groningen (pop.180k) by train, accompanied by cousin Jamie. We will be staying at the home of the sister of my good friend, Areanne, both native Frieslanders, the latter having lived in Australia for some time.

Till next time - daaaaaag!

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Photos

Bike Parking Station at Amsterdam Central
Thousands of cyclists park their bikes here each day as they leave the city to travel to their places of work.

PJ and Sandra
Standing in front of a traditional dwelling on the island of Marken.

PJ on the Marken Express
Leaving the town of Marken behind us as we make our way back across the sea to the town of Volendam

On the upper deck!
Despite 50knot winds, the weather was sunny and we braved the elements and the sea-spray to make the most of the view.

Approaching the town of Volendam
A veritable bee-hive of tourist activity.

Volendam home
A traditional home in the village centre.

Another traditional home.
Absolutely picture perfect!

On the outskirts of the village.
The village centre is ringed by a waterway across which at various points are small bridges.