Volendam and Marken

 Today was quite grey and drizzly, but we still decided to visit the little fishing village of Marken. To get to Marken we planned to take a direct bus, but we couldn't find that bus. We took a bus to volendam and then a ferry to Marken. It was a little longer, but it was pleasant.

We walked through a part of Volendam where living spaces were outside their front doors just barely separated from the sidewalk and the street.

Some were full of potted pots. There seemed to be very little grass.

I could just imagine stepping out my front door and into the canal.

Drawbridges and canals do intrigue me.

Of course there was a ferry and of course there was a pirate ship.

Arriving in Marken was something new. Houses and shops were on the docks.

The horizontal white lines were everywhere.

Restaurants, but it was raining.

We were told that the homes were built on stilts, but that was not entirely true. They are raised, but seem to have brick foundations.

I'm speculating here. This island was once in the North Sea, but was separated from the North Sea by a dyke in the 1930's. When the water level stabilized and the tides could no longer reach them, I suspect that they could brick in the lower floor of their homes.

So far, we have found only one cemetery. Here is another.

The Red Light District

This is our second last night in Holland, so we decided to go out for a special dinner. We headed for the Red Light District.

Earlier this week we took a short walk through the area and we were somewhat disappointed. It was after a long weekend and there was garbage all over the street. It was a very grundgy area. We did see a few girls in windows trying to attract some attention, but it was too early in the day for much business. Most were dressed scantily, but still could have walked onto the street. The first girl we saw wore only a g-string and a pair of suspenders. The suspenders at least partially covered her nipples. 

Once again tonight, we were too early for the real action. The red light street basically looked like rows of restaurants and bars. We chose a Thai Restaurant called Bird Thai and we had a wonderful dinner. After eating, we wandered up and down several of the crossing streets and here we found some girls. These streets were narrow with few restaurants. Here many of the lights were red. One building had a row of eight or ten doors that were lit for the evening. Because it was still fairly early, many of the windows and doors were empty. 

Prostitution is a legal trade here. The girls have social benefits and free health care. If they are sick they can book off work and receive sick pay. 

Easter Sunday

On sunday, Lia and George invited us over for a glass of wine. It ended up with a few glasses of wine and a few bottles of beer. When we arrived, Lia put chips on the table and brought out a tray of bitterballen and sliced liverwurst. The bitterballen was dipped in ketchup and mayonnaise. The liverwurst was dipped in mustard. It was explained that this was quite normal for a sunday afternoon, eaten and drinken.

Next came beef croquettes and a different sausage, again with mustard and mayonnaise. Lia then said that all we needed was chips and no-one would have to cook. We had an authentic Dutch experience and we all had a wonderful time.

Zaanse Schans Again

 We were already here, but we were with a tour and therefore under time constraints. I lost Debby and spent ages looking for her. We really needed to go back and take our time.

Although these windmills have been relocated from other parts of the country, they really do give you a sense of what must have been like in the past.

Wooden shoes come in many different styles.

A jewel encrusted wooden shoe seems appropriate.

Some people actually live in these little homes.

It must be odd to be completely surrounded by tourists.

Small cruise boats dock right by the windmills.

I need to work on the art of selfies.

While we were out looking at windmills, a baby was born. The little white lamb was literally "born yesterday." It was male, so they couldn't call him Lily. They called him Jim.

When the male swan spotted the new lamb, he approached and threatened. The ewe stood her ground and the swan walked right on by. The female swan is nesting nearby and Lia believes that any white animal is a threat. 

Into Amsterdam Again

 Amsterdam seems to be a place you just can't get enough of.

Debby found another cool cargo bike.

Just a window seems strikingly different.

Never enough canals.

Just a little woodcarving outside of a bar.

An astronaut posing as "The Thinker".

These little cars just make so much sense on these narrow roads.

We found the "Flower Market".

Somebody told us that parking in Amstertdam will cost fifty euros per day. These little carsa can park in  bike spaces. Does this mean the parking is free?

The bikes with the blue tires are rented from a company called Swappits. You pay a rental fee. If anything goes wrong with the bike (flat tire. broken spoke, etc., you just call and they will bring you a new bike. Would this work in Canada?

I have no idea what this building is, but it is striking.

The three x's are a symbol of Amsterdam. This building has swings that go over the edge.

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.