The great Dutch pottery showdown

While all looked good outside in the morning the overnight weather coupled with the forecast strongly suggested otherwise. Opted to go with the car & explore Gouda, cheese capital of the world apparently. Do a bit of cheese tasting & maybe a few other bits & pieces that are largely indoors. Other than a couple of bridge hold ups, some undutch manic drivers and a slightly sketchy multi-storey car park, we made it to Gouda in good spirits - the sun was out - all was well. Located the Gouda cheese museum, struggled, however, to locate the cloakroom. Hmmm. Presented with our test to become a cheese master and so it began. Far too much cow information, including a bit of smellivision. Not so good. The cheese crafting business was quite interesting - the quantities produced was staggering. The main event was the tasting session. The differences though subtle were definitely there. Onwards to the Siropwaffel tasting, except now was the time for the heavens to open. Sheltered but eventually grinned and bared it. Went through the market square - it was Gouda's ceramic day. All sorts of hands on events as well as a potter's showdown. The commentary in Dutch didn't help. Headed to the longest church in Holland - the 11€ entrance also didn't help. Eventually made it to the Siropwaffel factory and all that dawdling meant we'd missed the last tour. No matter - had plenty of free samples. Opted for some more kebbling for lunch. Little mooch around with a hint of sunshine and then back to pack.Read more