Posts Tagged ‘netherlands’

11
March
2012

Travel to Unique Historical Dolmens in Drenthe Holland Netherlands

I so appreciate viewers and readers who respond and give me information that I can pass on. That way more people get to see special unique areas of the world that we would otherwise miss. Here is one that my Youtube subscriber DeadLikeSilence told me about. Thank you from all of us for telling me about the Dolmens and zoo in North Holland.
In the province of Drenthe Holland Netherlands is a unique sightseeing stop. It has 53 of the 54 remaining dolmens in the Netherlands. The word Dolmens came from two word meaning “Stone Table.” Dolmens are megalithic tombs (tombs with Large Stones covering it.) I understand that biking or walking is an awesome way to go and see the Dolmens. Just outside of Borger is a megalithic tomb museum and tourist information center where you can get a route map to follow. There are 16 of the Dolmens (hunebedcentrum – Dutch name) in this area.
Also I hear that they are building a zoo in the Drenthe province that will be the biggest in Europe. It is in a village called Emmen.
I will definitely add this to my next visit to Holland Netherlands.

04
February
2012

Couple Vacations; Gouda and Aalsmeer; Boomer & Senior Travel TV #13; by Debbie Gerber

Show #13, In this vlog of Couple Travel Debbie Gerber takes us to Gouda and Aalsmeer Holland, Netherlands. Sightseeing with things to see and do in Gouda and things to see and do in Aalsmeer one of which is the world’s largest flower market Flora Holland or Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer Flower auction. Hear about Gouda cheese and how not to get a parking ticket in Holland.

Having trouble viewing this video? Try the Quicktime Version.

10
January
2012

Enjoy the traditional waterfront town of Volendam

Foto Zwarthoed

Volendam Holland Netherlands is one of the places that we wanted to visit because my husband remembered going there about 30 years ago. He still remembered the very shop where he and some friends dressed up and had their photos taken in native costume with the harbor as the background.

Volendam Band traditional dress

Volendam is famous for a place that you can see people in native traditional dress and for its harbor bursting with boats. We found people dress in costume mostly only in the shopping area until on our way back to our parked car we were surrounded by locals getting ready for some type of celebration. Many were in native dress. There was a band, singers and drummers. We later found out that they were there for a funeral procession. It was a fascinating thing to be able to see. I will never forget the troupe of drummers.

Volendam Statue of Bronze Fisherman

The local traditional dress for the women is a high pointed lace bonnet, a black skirt, a stripped apron and of course wooden shoes. The men’s were kind of baggie shorter pants with big gold buttons at the waist. Usually they wear a double breasted jacket with gold buttons or shirt with a neck tie, sometimes competed with a pair of suspenders and of course….wooden shoes.  You will see this on most post cards that depict the Netherlands. Each province in Holland had its own unique traditional dress. You can even take a picture with bronze statue of a fisherman or fisherwoman.

Statue of a fisherman in bronze

Fishing Village Boats

The boats dance on the water as they are crowded together in the harbor overlooked by the distinctive architecture of the surrounding buildings. This is truly one of the beautiful places in Holland and in the world.

Raw Herring in a bucket

On the board walk you can find what I would deem the “weird to see in Holland.” It is very traditional for them. Something we were told you should try. I took one look and it was just too much for me. They eat a raw fish called “herring or Hollandse Nieuwe.” They hold the herring by the tail, slather the herring in onions and pickles, tip their head back and then swallow the fish. It must be an acquired taste!

Volendam Holland Herring

waffles or poffertjes in Volendam

A food that I loved in Volendam was the waffles you could buy at the street stands. They call them poffertjes. They are served as a dessert with every kind of topping that you can imagine. They are not like our pancakes. They are a delightful treat. You must try.

Freetz or "Frites" and an Ice Cream Cone

At every town we stopped in I think we sought out the Freetz or “Frites” and an Ice cream cone. These French fries are served in a paper cone with a mayonnaise dipping sauce that has a unique and distinct flavor.  It will ruin eating fries back in the USA as nothing quite equals that taste.

Volendam Boardwalk Dyke

As you walk along the boardwalk at the top of the dyke it is a tourist’s jackpot. Restaurants are situated to overlook the view of the harbor that fishing families waiting for their loved ones to return have stared out over the water from this vantage point for centuries. You get a real feel for this fishing village as you relax and contemplate the view from a street restaurant.

You can’t miss the many souvenir shops interspersed between the restaurants and the bars. We found a lot of the souvenirs in Volendam that we brought home. They were priced right and had a wide selection. We even found the very photo shop that my husband had had his photos taken in.

Fun, unique and weird things to see and do in Volendam Holland:

  • Take your picture with a bronze statue of a fisherman or fisherwoman.
  • Visit the Volendams Museum to see traditional costumes, learn of fishing and cigar making, art, etc.
  • Walk on a dyke.
  • Eat herring or “Hollandse Nieuwe”
  • Eat waffles or “poffertjes”
  • Savoring a paper cone of Frites or “Freetz”
  • Dress in traditional costumes and have you picture taken
  • Take a boat tour of the region
  • Have dinner or drink overlooking the harbor
  • Shop for souvenirs
07
January
2012

Couple Vacations; Volendam and Edam; Boomer & Senior Travel TV #9; by Debbie Gerber

Don’t miss  Volendam and Edam, Holland, Netherlands when you plan your couple vacation. Shop for souvenirs, see boats and eat a variety of Holland treats as you are transported back in time in these romantic cities. You might even want to try eating herring like a true Hollander.

Having trouble viewing this video? Try the Quicktime Version.

03
January
2012

Zaanse Schans A Little Of Everything Holland Netherlands

If you only take one day trip from Amsterdam make it Zaanse Schans. This small village is a sampling of all things Holland, Netherlands.

Most of the industrial windmills on the river Zaan are now gone. Six of the thirteen still there are in Zaanse Schans.  It is fun to go and see these working. There are 8 windmills in total here.

Do something unique and fun visit the working windmills:

“‘De Huisman'” (Mustard Mill)
“De Gekroonde Poelenburg'” (Sawmill)
“De Kat'” (Paint Mill)
“De Zoeker” (Oil Mill)
“De Bonte Hen” (Oil Mill)
“het Jonge Schaap'” (Saw Mill)
“De Windhond” (Sand Stone)
“De Hadel” (Pasture Water Moving Mill)

You can see the Paint Mill in the Scatter Travel Video “Couple Vacations; Zaanse Schans Holland, Netherlands; Boomer & Senior Travel TV #8; by Debbie Gerber” along with fun and unique things to see and do at Zaanse Schans.