After spending our past few days in the city, we wanted to do something different. So, we planned a day around scenery of a more natural variety. Nicole found two attractions that offered exactly what we wanted to see. The Zaans Schans and the Keukenhof.

The Keukenhof is a monument to nature. The 79 acre park is packed from wall to wall with sights to see and things to do. The main attraction are the flower beds with tulips, roses, and other assorted flowers as far as the eye can see. Interwoven into these flower displays are points of interest including: a petting zoo, intricate fountains, and artistic sculptures. There is even a walkway  of pedestals above a pond where you can hop from point to point, giving you an alternative view of the gardens.

One could spend an entire day here, as we did. There are so many different arrangements of flowers by different artists, and the layout is in a constant state of flux. We would spend a couple of hours weaving to and fro, dipping down to get a closer look at this flower and that. Eventually we would get peckish, and a tantalizing vendor of treats was always within reach to recharge us. One that comes to mind is an ice cream stand that had some of the best strawberry ice cream I have ever had. It had real bits of strawberry in it, which was laced within the soft serve.

Kind of like this, but edible and with a waffle cone stem

The park also had a population of geese who seemed to be content with lifting off and touching down at different ponds throughout the park, making their daily rounds. This added a touch of white to contrast the silted water. Fortunately, they were preoccupied with nibbling on some kind of root below the surface, and our extended viewing of them yielded us neither threatening hisses nor chest puffing. How merciful of them.

Another nice part about the park was that even though there were a great many people there, it did not feel crowded. There was ample room to view anything one cared to, and only the most popular sights had lines. Specifically, the buffet style food court and windmill.

She can obstruct my view anytime

If you have not seen how a windmill works, the Keukenhof has one on display. Truth be told, the Zaanse Schans did a better job of detailing how they work (Roel did the best job). If you are not going to stay with Roel, and you are going to deny yourself the chance to see in person what the Zaanse Schans has to offer, it is worth going into this mill and see some of the inner workings. Otherwise, it is quite crowded. One ends up shouldering their way through the tight space inside with the only reward being a glimpse without explanation of the inside of a mill.

Pictured: a better alternative to crowds and confined spaces

Around midday, we found ourselves craving something more substantial for our stomachs. A bit of map reading and a cooperating nose soon led us to the cafeteria at the back of the park. There were ample offerings including: dutch veggie soup, pastries, sandwiches, and international offerings. The place was jam packed, and it was difficult to find anywhere to sit (it was also raining enough to rule out taking our food outside). When we did find two seats, they were at a table that was already occupied. I asked permission to be seated, and was met with a less than welcoming wave of the hand to signal “go ahead.” The hand was attached to a grumpy older woman who felt it necessary to verbally berate (in French) anyone and everyone around her in the restaurant. She seemed fueled not by food, but rather a desire to call out anyone (in whispered tones) who dared not live up to her standard of what was proper. As best as I could gather, she was saying things about us as well to her companion (an older man who sat by, nodding in silent solidarity with her). I turned towards her, and gave her my best “I dont speak your language, but I have an idea about what you are saying about me” look. Her wide eyes and sudden silence assured me that the message was received. Mark one in the win column for me.

Being so angry around such beauty should not be possible.

After many hours of exploring, our feet started to ache. What were bright sights and pleasant scenes started to dull. However, instead of leaving, we opted to rent bikes just outside the entrance. The kiosk offered a few types of bikes, as well as maps to the surrounding area that we could explore. For what amounted to about $20 American, we were able to rent two single-seat bikes and tour the outside of the park and its surrounding farmlands. There are a few different routes one can take, and we opted for the one that would take us 2-3 hours. This route took us through not only the tulip fields around the park, but also gave us a glimpse of some lovely homes that were surely owned by some well-off people. Cobble stone driveways, sports cars, and immaculate yards were the norm as we passed through the neighborhoods. It was all that we hoped for and more. Looking back, I wish we had given ourselves more time to take the longer route, which offered a beach visit and other interesting sights for the extra effort.

After our marathon session at the Keukenhof, we transitioned over to the Zaanse Schans for a change of pace. Only a short train ride away, the historic neighborhood is easy to reach. Within it are various different windmills. Some were used to power saws, others to process food. For a few dollars, you could go inside and be given a presentation on the mill, and then purchase wares specific to that mills use. For example, one mill was used to process cocoa, and the tours admission fee included a cup of hot chocolate. Also, the mills are positioned against the shoreline, a scene from another era entirely.

As we were walking around the mills, we spotted this heron fishing. Sitting perfectly still, it waited for an unwitting fish to swim by, mistaking its plumage for just another cloud in the sky. Perfectly adapted to catch its prey, it lunged forward and effortlessly snatched a fish from the water. I now know how a style of kung fu could be created from its movements.

There were also a few restaurants within the neighborhood. We found one that offered loaded crepes and a warm interior (it was cold when we were there). While a bit pricey, the food ended up being better than we expected, given that this is a bit of a touristy spot. Also, there was a cheesemonger next door that had offerings including cheese with: lavender, herbs, peppers, spiced, as well as an assortment of aged cheeses and goat cheeses. All were available for sampling as well as purchase. It was a worthwhile stop, and had us wishing that we had come better prepared to transport dairy goods.

 

We wandered around the shops for a while, and found a few goods worth taking home with us. Feeling victorious, we stopped for a drink and a snack in the neighborhood pub. An opportunity to have a Belgian beer is not one to be missed. After catching our breath in the cozy space, we set out towards home. Before leaving, we found that there was a petting zoo with goats, sheep, and free roaming chickens. Some people were feeding the animals chips and other scraps from their human meals. Which, if we are being honest, was frustrating given the fact that there were animal specific food dispensers right in front of them. For the equivalent of a quarter, you could feed them a handful of food. Feeling righteous, I loaded my palms with pellets and made some new friends.

Awe, look how happy it doesn’t look

I instantly became the center of the universe for all of the chickens and goats, for I had food that they actually enjoyed. Also, the crows surely were given their share.

Give me some if you have any hopes of walking out of here on two good legs, human

I am a fan of goats. I think their unique temperaments and traits are quite interesting. So, when a few of them approached looking for treats, I was excited to oblige. I tried to pass out the pellets evenly. As I was handing them out, I felt I had earned the ability to lightly pet this fat little prankster in goats clothing. I barely even touched palm to fur when it scooted me away WITH ITS HORNS. I do not know if you have been swatted away with a giant head hook, but it does not feel pleasant. Shocked and offended, I made sure that this freakishly eyed billy was given not a pellet more, favoring other less demanding goats instead.

I will never forget/forgive you, jerk

Soon, we were exiting the neighborhood and heading back to our train station. Along the way, we found a chocolatier who had some interesting offerings for cheap. We loaded up on all sorts of different treats to nibble on for the next few days.

This were our last major stops of the trip. We had an unforgettable time touring this area. We highly recommend it to anyone and everyone. There is an endless amount of things to do for people of all ages and varying interests. We hope you have enjoyed our take on the area, and will take the time out to view our brief video collage as well.