September 27, 2022
This morning, our floating palace is docked in Amsterdam; the last stop on our river cruise. We’re here for the night so we have a day to explore the area before bidding adieu to the Scenic Crystal.
I’d just been in Sin City in June and had hit most of the touristy spots then so I’ve already experienced the three available excursions. Not wanting to miss out, I opted for the Edam and Volendam bus which most of my Aggie friends were on.
Fittingly enough, the first stop on the tour was a Henri Willig farm tour. After a demonstration of how they make their cheese, there was a cheese tasting and a visit to their store. We also had a chance to check out the cows, the barn and their modern robotic milking system. Our very own Udder Health Specialist, Don Anderson, was in big demand explaining how all of this new fangled equipment worked.
Our next stop is Edam, a quaint village with around 7000 inhabitants on the shore of IJsselmeer lake. The town of Edam dates back to the 12th century and has a lot more going for it than cheese (though that is pretty good as well!). Edam is always shipped from Edam but not necessarily produced here.
In the 12th-century, farmers and fishermen built shacks on the banks of the IJ river. This simple village evolved into the city of Edam, which continuously grew in prosperity until the late 17th century. In addition to cheese, shipbuilding and trade also contributed to Edam’s development. It once was one of the most important trading cities in Holland.
Next up is Volendam. Volendam used to be the poor cousin of Edam though today the two are joined as a municipality and Volendam is bigger and just as prosperous or maybe more so.
Volendam is first and foremost a fishing village on IJsselmeer lake. IJsselmeer lake used to be an inland sea but because of frequent flooding an enclosing dyke was built in 1932 to prevent the salt water from the north sea from entering the former inland sea. So now, it’s pretty much a freshwater lake.
It was raining again and I’d been to a Volendam and explored this coastal gem so rather than wandering in the rain getting soaked, I opted for a hot chocolate
At the funky Hotel Spaander. Originally opened as a café, in 1881, the new owners opened up to house some of the acquaintances they had gained from traveling overseas. What’s unique about the public areas if the hotel is the artwork. The walls of the bar and reception area are covered with art gifted by artists who stayed there but had no money to pay. This gives the place a real quirky charm.
Back in the bus and headed back to town. After a nice lunch, it was time to see whether all the bits and bobs could be coaxed into my steamer trunk and carryon bags. Luckily I haven’t done any shopping to speak of so with a bit of effort, it all fits!
Time for a nap and a shower before our last dinner onboard. Sated we’re back to the lounge for after dinner drinks and a performance by a local trio. They were great but quite restrained; I think the crew wants to send us off to bed so we’ll be up and at ‘em early tomorrow. It works, lol.
Tomorrow is another day. Adventures await …
Judy’s Rambles 