ZAANSE SCHANS

One of the most calm and beautiful places I’ve been to is this ; Zaanse Schans, a breathtaking part of Netherlands.

Since we were on holiday at Amsterdam for a while, we planned a day trip to this region in north Holland. We were here in the month of March, so Spring was yet to begin and Winter hadn’t said a proper goodbye. Nonetheless, the weather didn’t deter us from enjoying our outing.

We had much to explore.

PHOTO DIARY 

Zaanse Schans – the name aptly coined from being on River Zaan and performing the role of fortification (schans in Dutch language)  against Spanish troops during the war for independence.

Imagine all the little tokens of Holland that you would marvel at a decorated souvenir shop; the windmills, the wooden shoes, clogs, tulips outside little cottages by the riverside. All of these seem to come to life at Zaanse Schans.

The air here is fresh and the river glistens deeper than the blue of the skies. Oh its such a pretty sight, these old windmills and old wooden houses skirting the banks of the river. It takes you back in time.

The smell of bread, waffles and crêpes drew our hungry stomachs to the bakery. In that cold a weather, the hot chocolate crêpes proved to be the perfect warm delight. We continued our food journey with cheese tasting inside the cheese factory ; the variety of cheese and the flavours they’re infused with.. ooh la la … simply a mouth watering treat and I guarantee you will not stop at one.

Next we visited the clog shop which had a workshop inside and a clogger demonstrating his work. This was a unique experience indeed.

The shop had on sale, clogs in bright colours ranging from kids to adult sizes , porcelain articles symbolic of the region and a variety of other mementos. We brought home with us a bunch of cute souvenirs to reminisce that beautiful day spent in far away land.

To plan your trip to this wonderful place, please go to the official site (dezaanseschans.nl) to know more about the calendar of activities available.