The famous American author John Green once said “Some tourists think Amsterdam is a city of sin, but in truth, it is a city of freedom. And in freedom, most people find sin”. Well not can define Amsterdam better than these two memorable lines.
I have visited Amsterdam twice now and definitely, would gleefully say yes again if given an opportunity. Why, well reasons can go on for pages but here in this article, I will try taking the readers through my one day journey into the very beginning of Netherlands industrial prowess. Most travelers visit Amsterdam with the knowledge and expectation of dazzling lights of the night, party’s stretching into the wee hours of the morning, and of course several activities which are well not illegal only in Amsterdam!!! However, there are few surrounding cities that boast of its picturesque, which serves delightful food and has a place of its own in Dutch history and it’s society. These are places which beautifully showcase the other side of the radiant Amsterdam. These are cities only an hours distance from the buzz of Amsterdam. The cities truly embody and embezzles the Dutch culture, it traditional ways of life and the early Windmills which significantly contributed to the development and modernization of what we today call The Amsterdam.
These places include Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken. Let begin our journey, with Zaanse Schans – it is a unique piece of Dutch history on the River Zaan, 20kms from Amsterdam. This city of windmills looks like something straight out of the 90’s Bollywood sets. The landscape is picturesque, and you could spend a whole day loading up your Instagram. I strolled past the bakery museum and enjoyed the freshly baked cookies. Then I took a tour into one of the warehouses where clogs are made. Next was the long-awaited tour inside a few of old windmills, as old as 70-80 years, still standing strong and is functional. With only 1,200 original windmills left in The Netherlands, Zaanse Schans has 13 of them still operating daily, grinding spices, paint, oil, flour, and stone. The demonstration inside one of the Windmill is wonderful. It gives an insight into its operations, utility and the significance of windmills in general on Dutch Industrial and economic boom.
Moving on to our next destination that is Volendam, what we can expect and find is cheese, fish and pop music. So I visited the Cheese Factory and attended the demonstration of the cheese making and its processing. Though this demonstration was informative, well honestly only a few will find it interesting. Next up I stopped at Woltjer’s Backerij for dessert. Headed downstairs for what I would say we’re a much more worthy demonstration and a brief history of stroopwafels. I got a hot and fresh caramel-filled piece of heaven for 2 Euro. Well after this I had my lunch, of course, fish and chips with a beer. Well, I also tried some other fishes such as mussels, prawns, and Dutch herring. One can also stop at Foto de Boer portrait studio for pictures in traditional outfits.
Marken, my final destination for the day. Took the heritage Volendam Marken Express Ferry, leaves every 45 minutes for Marken. The ferry ride in itself is an experience to behold. I sat on the deck and ordered a beer. As the ferry was on its way to Marken, known for its authentic wooden houses, the wooden shoes/clogs. The clog making demonstration and the demonstrator was fun, an experience worth indulging in.
At the sun started to set on the backdrop of the beautiful Market, I took the bus back to Amsterdam. One can definitely plan a stay for a night on the boathouses, maybe at Volendam or Marken, which definitely I look forward to experiencing during my next visit to Amsterdam.
Over the remainder my stay at Amsterdam, I visited places like the Adams tower, The Holland Casino, the Red light street, the Heineken factory, and cycling to and through the Amsterdamse Bos. One can also experience the enriching art museums such as Van Gogh and Rijks. Visit Anne Frank museum is a must and it gave me some real goosebumps, online booking is suggested. Some of the famous clubs and cafe’s that I visited were Bulldog, and the Bananen Bar and club. Rest what you do at Amsterdam stays at Amsterdam, indeed it is the city of freedom at its peak.
At zerodegreel
every moment will someday make you look back and want to experience it all over again.
