The Netherlands

Holland is a country of just over sixteen million people. Until the 9th century the inhabitants of what is now unofficially known as Holland were Frisians. At the end of the 9th century Holland became a separate country in the Roman Empire.

Leaving Amsterdam we travelled to Overveen, where Carolyna spent some time many years ago as a "nanny". A very upmarket suburb within easy commuting distance to Amsterdam and Haarlem. This is the house where Carolyna learnt the art of "nannying"

After Overveen we went to Bloemendaal and then to Zandvoort on the coast. Zandvoort is one of the major beach resort areas in Holland with wide sandy beachs

A casual lunch in front of the fire on the beach was just perfect...

Then onto the beautiful city of Delft.

 Above is the main square and town hall in Delft, a city in the south west of the country

Delft is a very popular tourist town with many "boutique" shops. It is famous for its Delft porcelain.

It is now a city of just under 100,000 people and dates from the 13th century

William of Orange who led the war against the Spanish in the 16th century lived in Delft as did the famous painter Vermeer. It was also home to the Dutch East India Company.

A number of canals run through Delft with attractive Delft houses and shops.

Most have a street separating the house from the canal. This was one of the exceptions.

A winter canal in Delft

Oude Kerk in Delft (Old Church)

Alan enjoying  pea and ham soup with a glass of vino in Delft on a very cold day .....1 degree!

Main square of Delft.

Ornate building in Delft

And of course...the occasional tourist.

And children writing on the wall in a restaurant...

It snowed in Delft as we left this restuarant but stay tuned for some real snow in the next blog when we visit Brugge!

We then travelled to Voorburg a little further south near Den Haag in the south of Holland with about 40,000 inhabitants.

Voorburg has its roots in the 2nd century when it got city rights from the Romans. It was situated on a major commercial canal link.

On the main pedestrian street, an antique organ grinder and it's master seeking donations!

 A local street market offering typical Dutch cuisine along with fresh fruit and vegetables.

Looking toward the main pedestrian street.

Many good boutiques along the main street which was a pedestrian only thoroughfare.

Voorburg Town Hall.

An old Dutch building on the main street.

The town hall.

Then off to dinner with Carolyna's cousin and family in Den Haag (The Hague).

Dinner in Den Haag with Carolyna's cousin Anke at her house. In the background is Anke's daughter Renske and partner Han.  Here Alan tried raw herring and smoked paling (eel)....delicious with a lovely glass of french white wine courtesy of Auke!

Anke and Carolyna

Anke, her husband Auke, Carolyna e Alan

Renske and Auke...okay, what was the joke?

And our own "icebreaker" clearing ice from the car after a cold night.

There is much to see and enjoy in Holland. 

Ciao e baci a tutti

Carolyna e Alan