Into Amsterdam Again

 

Volendam

 Volendam is a lovely town which is a short bus ride from Broek in Waterland.

The buildings face the street with beautiful facades.

As we neared the water, there were more people

We found a market where Debby found some clothing that she liked.

This is where the ferry leaves to go to Marken.

At the water there were many outdoor cafes, and crowds of people.

Broek in Waterland 3

You will have to put up with pictures of this village. It is where we are living and we just keep walking around.

This is just in front of our cottage. There is some kind of car club in town. We saw six old Citroëns this morning.

This is a wild looking garden which is just a few doors from our place.

This is just one of many beautiful homes in the village. Our guide on the canal tour yesterday that the Dutch rarely have curtains on their windows. When you look in the front you can often see out through the back windows. The guide also explained that most people have a naked neighbour. In fact, if you don't have a naked neighbour, it probably means that you are the naked neighbour

The man who lives here was an Olympic speed skater. He did hold some world records, but his last competition was in 2001.

The tall flowers and grasses provide some privacy.

The cruise is waiting patiently for the bridge to lift. If you have a boat in one of these canals, you can travel anywhere.

A little, formal French garden.

The kids in the rowboat were just out for a little fun.

A pond on the middle of the village has a little house in the middle. It is only about a metre high. I have no idea what it is for.

This home is in the village, but it has the form of a very traditional farmhouse. It was explained to us that the pyramid shape was originally for storing hay. At some point one side might be closed in so that it could hold pigs. Another side might be closed in for horses. Eventually it was fully closed in and the animals and siliage were sent somewhere. The pyramid became the family home.

This is the pond in the centre of the village.

Just another garden

Edam

Edam is famous for its cheese but it is also a charming little village. 

The gazebo on the water is a nice touch.

This drawbridge struck me as being quite unique.

There is lots of green space, especially right now when all the plants are coming to life.

A picture of the chocolate shop was required.

Of course Debby did go inside and we bought some smoky goat cheese.

A lock in the canal in the middle of the village.

It just seemed like such a serene spot.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

 

Vera found a safe spot under a table.

The first task was to maneuvre our ship into this narrow passage. It joined one large canal to another large canal.

This was another ship in our line. Ours was covered.

Some houseboats are obviouslyboats, but this one is not going anywhere.

Others are more modern, but they do look a little boring.

The black house leans out more than its neighbours. Most houses are tall and narrow because taxes were based on frontage.

This houseboat has stabilizers on the side, so I suspect that it could be moved.

This one is voxy, but I do like the windows facing the canal.

This houseboat is the quirkiest that we sailed past.

At exactly the right angle you could count seven identical bridges fading off onto the distance.