![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/JXQT4048.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nAfter a few hours rest (and having our first Dutch strawberries) , we went into town. It was cold but sunny and everywhere the “cherry” trees were in full bloom. Aei Ling would have liked to ride a bicycle, but I thought that would not be wise…:-)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/RSIS9052.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6641.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6622.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nWe took the metro to the center of the town, the Dam square with the National Monument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6631.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBack home we had our first Dutch dinner. Of course with potatoes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6646.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nTuesday 16 April<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We visited the windmills of the Zaanse Schans, one of the top tourist attractions of the Netherlands. Several of the mills are working and you can visit them. In this picture Aei Ling is standing on the jetty at the left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6671.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6662.jpg\")
<\/a>Entering the village<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6698.jpg\")
<\/a>One for the album<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6672.jpg\")
<\/a>A sawmill <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/JJDN8611.jpg\")
<\/a>The windmill we visited<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6688.jpg\")
<\/a>Climbing up inside<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6665.jpg\")
<\/a>Grinding peanuts to extract oil<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_E6677.jpg\")
<\/a>Aei Ling was fascinated by this swan<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_E6706.jpg\")
<\/a>She had to try this giant wooden shoes<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n After coming home, we had another Dutch traditional dinner, mussels with fries. Yummie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6716-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/mussels-001.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nWednesday 17 April<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our destination was the Muiderslot<\/a>, one of the historical castles in the Netherlands. We took a ferry from Amsterdam, which lands at the castle itself, a very romantic approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6739.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6748.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nThe history of the castle goes back to 1280. In the 17th century P.C. Hooft, a Dutch writer and poet has been living in the castle, many of the rooms are furnished in the style of the Dutch Golden Age. It must have been many decades ago that I visited this castle, so it was a nice experience for me too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6794.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6787.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/XADU3643.jpg\")
<\/a>The dungeon<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6758.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6772.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6777.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nIt was my 75th birthday and I had invited a few people for dinner at the Zoku restaurant<\/a>. A very pleasant evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6812.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/LLNH3836.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nThursday 18 April<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My sister Lous had offered to show us around in the tulip fields of North-Holland. We arrived by train, enjoyed their garden and had lunch with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/ARHZ0319.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6868.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nThe Keukenhof is the most famous flower garden of the Netherlands, crowded with tourists from all over the world. Not many people know about the Poldertuin<\/a> in Anna Paulowna, a miniature Keukenhof, quiet and F.O.C ! We were lucky, it was a perfect time to visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6831.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/DCPC8387.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6822.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GRBK7682.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6828.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nThere were so many species of tulips, daffodils, etc, that I kept taking pictures…:-)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Visit-Aei-Ling-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAfter visiting the garden, Lous and Arend drove us around through the flower fields. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6859.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6857.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6863.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nWe visited one garden where you could pick your own tulips, for 25 euro cents per flower. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/WFPE7326.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/GEUH4207.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nWe had dinner near the beach, it was not cold, we could even sit outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/VMJU5969.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/EYWY3058.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nWe stayed overnight, enjoying a beautiful sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/KUSA0741.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nFriday 19 April<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The famous Cheese Market of Alkmaar was the destination for this day. Arend dropped us near the Waagplein, where the market is held every Friday morning. It is a colorful spectacle, attracting massive crowds of (mostly foreign) visitors. Background information can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6933.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIt is a honour to become a cheese carrier and you need years of training. Each cheese weighs 12-13 kg, and a barrow carries eight of them. The market started in 1365 and the whole process<\/a> is steeped in tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6941.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/SNYV8065.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6913.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6915.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/TLHQ6535.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nAlkmaar is a beautiful historic town, where you could easily spend hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6966.jpg\")
<\/a>Enjoying a beer<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6961.jpg\")
<\/a>St Laurentius church<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6971.jpg\")
<\/a>Townhall <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/RPYC0852.jpg\")
<\/a>Buying a sunhat <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6969.jpg\")
<\/a>Traditional barrel organ <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n We took a train back to Amsterdam and had a late lunch in the Pancake Bakery, one of Aric’s favourite eateries. And at home a late dinner with escargots. By the way, Aei Ling is drinking 0.0 % alcohol beer, getting more and more popular these days .. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_6988-001.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/KXGQ1134-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nSaturday 20 April<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Amstelpark is in walking distance from my apartment. Many years ago I had visited in this park the rhododendron valley, and after breakfast we tried our luck. It was a nice , easy 20 minute walk to the park, you can easily forget that you are in a suburb of Amsterdam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/NTEG7137-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_7049.jpg\")
<\/a>My favourite spring flower<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_7051.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/CREI3522.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/BGHG3553.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_7055.jpg\")
<\/a>Park entrance<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n And lucky we were, the rhododendrons were in full bloom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_7071.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_7058.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_7067.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Visit-Aei-Ling1-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nNear the park a beautiful windmill is located, the Riekermolen (1636). Almost any time of the day tourist buses stop here., we had to wait a bit for a picture without people ..:-)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stuif.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_7080.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBefore walking home we had lunch in the park. I had an uitsmijter<\/a>, a visit to the Netherlands is not complete for me without this traditional lunch of fried eggs with ham and cheese on bread \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n