Blogs from Zaandam, North Holland, Netherlands, Europe

We started the day with a run/bike ride with the whole family. We tried a new trail which was very nice and took us past several farms with cows, sheep, goats, chickens, baby chicks, and had no traffic except for one guy on a horse & buggy (and he had a buggy whip so I guess that industry hasn't completely shut down)! Part of the trail was just a cycling path across the top of a dike. I think this was my favourite run so far and I'll definitely do that route again. Today we went to the city of Zaandam and took in the Zaanse Schanse which is a grouping of mills and museums interspersed with (very) old houses that people still live in (I guess they'd call that a living museum - they argue ... read more

Today was supposed to be the day to go to Delft, the little town with the famous blue hand-painted pottery factory. We had skipped Zaanse Schans the day before due to lack of time, so were faced with a decision. After realizing it was Sunday, and looking up the Delft town website on Cees's trusty free internet terminal, we decided that the shops in town might be closed, and we didn't want to take the chance, since it was a pretty long trip there. Zaanse Schans it is. We walked to the train station and Angie went up to the counter to get tickets. The lady told her Platform 8a, and a certain time. Angie asked how we will know if it's the right train? She said the trains always leave on time. If it's time, ... read more

So spent the whole weekend with Carol la! Yesterday, we went to Utrecht! a pretty big city ne.....main goal was to window shop....! haaaa! Sales time over and we can't afford to buy those expensive leather shoes......-__-" Walked around town...there werent a lot of sites, just a few old buildings and churches... Had some honey biscuit or waffers kinda thing, they say its very popular in Holland and its Delicious!!!!=) Didn't do much touristy things actually....haaaa... Was gonna try Mussels....but then couldn't find them in the supermarkets and went back to their house and made a wonderful meal of Wonton + Ngau Yuen Rice Noodles!!! OHHHHH..YUM!!! Killed another of my cravings!!! =D This morning took our time and then they drove me to the Windmill village in Zaanse Schans, its like 10 mins away from Zaandam!!..small ... read more