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August 2017, Waterland – Netherlands
Have I mentioned how much i LOVE the Netherlands?
If not, here I am, Dutch for sure in a former life, confessing i’m madly crazy about the lovely fishing villages, cheese, tulip-fields, windmills and everything in between.
And if last year we were tasting just a little bit of the city feeling, this year was time for more authenticity in the smaller towns.
So, Waterland, North Holland it is.
Not a minute to spare, as soon as we land, we’re running to the Central Station, the place making your dream come true. 30 minutes on the comfy EBS bus, and a whole land of green comes into sight.
We’re so thrilled, that we get off 1 stop before Volendam. But oh, well… a little exercise didn’t hurt anyone.
Besides, some peaceful locals are welcoming us all the way.
As we’re getting closer, the spell starts to take over my brain.
Authentic perfect little houses surround the splendid harbor. All you have to do is walk and listen to the sound of a good life. I could get used to that.
Next stop: Edam. Oh there’s a story about getting there.
We patiently wait for the bus. First one passes by. No stop. We move to another station, thinking we were not waiting where we should have. 15 more minutes. Second bus passes by. No stop. Ok, it’s time to literally Google search how to stop a bus in Holland. Eye contact to the driver, hand waving, anything to let him know you want to go in. Third time we’re in luck.
Next thing I know, we get down in Edam. Edam, like the cheese? YES. 🙂
The cheeses from this little town have been traded to all corners of the Earth for centuries. Shipbuilding and trading started here around the 12th century!
Built around IJsselmeer lake, with cobblestone streets and beautiful authentic 17th century architecture, quiet canals, Edam has just reached my top 3 in Holland.
Leaving Waterland is pretty hard after having a first taste of it. But there’s always something left to come back to.
See you next time, DREAMland!
Tips
We purchased the EBS Waterland ticket from the Central Station, at the Ticket information center, for 10 EUR/day/person.
You have to walk along the main station, go 1 level up, behind platforms 14/15, and look for the red EBS buses.
Happy travels and stay safe!
Have never been anywhere in Netherlands except Amsterdam. Didn’t really think about going elsewhere. Am gonna have a good think over exploring more of Netherlands, thanks to your post
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Ohh..you definitely should! I tried Amsterdam for the first time, but now i’m more into the little villages and the northern Holland. Stay posted,2 more stories about Netherlands are coming soon! 🙂 I recommend Keukenhof for the tulip fields in spring, Kinderdijk and Zaanse Schans for the windmills, Edam and Volendam for the countryside feeling. Safe and happy travels! Let me know if u like it when u get there!
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Wow, that’s a lot of suggestions. I am making notes now and will refer to your blog when the chance to visit Netherlands comes up. Looking fwd to read more in the meantime. Cheers!
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Thanks for dropping by! It feels good spreading the word about the lovely places you get to discover!
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You’re right, it is very pretty. The cows are so cute.
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Yesss, they were leading the way :))
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Perfect tour guides.
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Wonderful post with a great sense of North Holland. Thank you for sharing!
Frank
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Aww..thanks so much for the nice words, you made my day!:) We absolutely love the Netherlands,it’s our fav.country in Europe! Cheers!
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Oh yes there is so much packed into this country!
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Definitely has a lot to offer! We love it! Thanks for dropping by, guys!:)
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Lovely post and blog too! I love the Netherlands too, I agree, it’s so nice to get out of Amsterdam and explore a bit more! Just written a few posts about my recent visits, if you’d like to check them out! 🙂
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Thanks for dropping by, dear! Will definitely check your stories as well !!! I have 2 more posts going ‘on air’ soon, about Rotterdam and Kinderdijk. I am in love with the Netherlands:)))
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Thanks for checking my posts out! I will keep an eye out for your posts, I’ve never visited either of those places so looking forward to it! ☺️ there’s so much to see there!!
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Definitely, it’s an amazing country!
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It’s beautiful there.
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I Agree! 🙂 Thanks for dropping by!
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I have lived in the Netherlands for 2 years, so I agree with every word that you write here! The countryside is beautiful!! Great pictures 🙂
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Awww..thank you so much! I love the Netherlands!!! Why did u leave? 🙂
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For work 🙂 I live in Sweden now. This place is quite captivating too!
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Didn’t get there yet! It’s on the list;) Good luck with work!
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Thank you! Summer is a good time to be here. Good luck with travels! 🙂
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