Edam, Netherlands

Edam, Netherlands

A beautiful day to be back in Amsterdam, just briefly, a turnaround day ,with many leaving, it seems. We went off early, on a trip to Zaanse Schans, which is a very touristy place, but as we were very early, we got to be there before it was filling at a rapid rate, it is so pretty, and has lots of lovely things. First the clog making ,which is interesting and quite an art on very old machines. The finished ones , especially the “Sunday Clogs “ are very lovely with floral designs. Then through the Farmyard which has the nice ,hens ,swans, ducks and small animals .On to taste the cheese ,a great variety ,with lots of mustards and relishes, very tasty. They do make some of their own cheese here. Windmills next, they are quite amazing inside, huge stones turned by the blades, this one powdered the limestone, for various paints, especially the Soccer fields. Its hands on to stop the mill, and do other tasks, a huge effort sometimes , in the wind ,and they have to do it carefully ,as fire can result. So interesting, and they look so graceful on the water .We were a small group only 11, so with a good guide it was all easy.
Onward to Edam, said Aadam, the journey through more of the countryside ,the many waterways full today, with Saturday boating. Edam was not crowded at all, and so we had a guided walk for some for the time, then free to wander, in this typical ,very pretty ,old town, not as I thought ,where the cheese is made, but where the cheese was sold, in a market, not so often now. Very old ,narrow ,high brick buildings ,dating from long ago, the canal in the middle had a dam, which gives all these places their names. All dammed ,as the water was of course a huge issue, long ago .A large percentage of The Netherlands is well below sea level , as you know ,water is everywhere ,but managed so well now, and used to their advantage. The flowers here were gorgeous, in the gardens , in pots and baskets, all throughout the town. A wedding in progress, with the Bells ringing long and loud for the Couple. A big ,special ,ginger cat, who took a liking to us, and followed on our walk ,safely back to the beginning, as we left…He was stationed at the Church at the Village outskirts, possibly does daily walks…Huge trees, canals, and pretty sights around every corner..We also found our special coffee cups..what a bonus.! A nice talk to Thelma, so good to hear all the news.
Hot day in the countryside. Many cows in the fields here, looking so relaxed and happy to be out there, our guide told of their antics when first let out after winter, how they run and jump and play, and we know cows can be excited, the clever things.! These have plenty of good grass, the corn is growing high, and sunshine for now..
We had a lovely sail away , down the North Sea channel, we were positioned on the Aft deck, so a panorama this time, seeing what was on the Port side and so much we had not seen before, it was so warm, we sat for the whole journey to the locks..
Back to mingle with many new passengers, there are some children…hummm, and some of concern ,a fragile older couple, BOTH with white sticks ,man obviously very impaired ,and lady well ,having great trouble seeing what was offering at our buffet dinner, not sure how that could work, or actually why they would come, it seems dangerous.! Then later a poor soul going Backwards down the stairs ,horrifying, could be a tough journey…maybe the lift was full.! Life boat drill, late afternoon, waiting and waiting for one last passenger, and then she appeared in her dressing gown , appearing to have little under…[later seen in a bikini on the deck] ! Every person must attend..!
Now proceeding at a slow pace towards Edinburgh ,lots to unfold ahead, some great places coming up.
1st July .A calm and beautiful day at sea today, sun on our balcony, doors open, nice to have the sound of the sea. Met some new arrivals, Canadian and Adelaide. An invited lunch for returning cruisers, not so many of us now, Indonesian food in the dining room, served by our lovely crew, in their national dress, and very good food, pleasant table mates, one couple from Hawaii ,one Washington State..well travelled and interesting.
Hair appointment later with trepidation ,all good, a lovely young man from Mumbai, who did a nice job.,describing the colour as "A Little Bit Of The Ashes"... renewed…!
Scotland tomorrow will be great…Les mer