Posted on by Edward

Day 5 – Windmills in Zaan Schans

To get to the first level of our apartment there were two flights of stairs like this – narrow, steep and winding.. Then another flight to get to the bedrooms and a fourth flight to get to the roof-top. Bev’s FitBit was busy counting stairs.
A typical sidewalk scene dominated by bike parking.
We found a lunch spot called De Plantage on the west side of town. It looked like an old greenhouse with lots of glass and light. The tree in the center was unique.
The boys enjoying the ambience.
Need a table for two?
This was delicious. As described on the menu: “Toasted sourdough with Dutch goat cheese cream with grilled pear, honey, rucola and hazelnut.”

 

We then took a train to Zaan Schans a village on the outskirts of Amsterdam with a collection of 8 windmills dating back to the 1600s. We were able to enter one of them and climb to the the top.

There is a small village nearby with bakeries, cheese shops and a traditional clog making factory.
They make them in all sizes, even for large American feet.

Maybe a clog-canoe?

Old clogs become wall-hanging flower pots.
I’ll bring the cheese, if you bring the wine and crackers.
Kyle and I dropped by the bakery for fresh almond cookies and apple tarts.
After the train ride back to town, it was time for dinner at a brewpub called De Biertuin. Excellent local brews and tasty burgers.