Netherlands: Zaanse Schans
A few tram stops away from Amsterdam is a very special place called Zaanse Schans. I was looking forward to this place because it boasts the quintessential Dutch windmills. There were also some barn-like shops where I sampled cheese and chocolate, then learned about clog-making in another and got to see wildly decorated traditional Dutch clogs. We also toured a windmills, which used to be a factory for linseed oil and used wind-power to operate the mechanical devices to process the seeds. We climbed up the ladder just like they must have done so many times back when it was a working factory. And, we were happy to find that the view from the top overlooking the river was as pretty as can be. This is the Holland I know and love!



The Zaan district used to be the largest importer and exporter of cocoa in Holland. At one point as we were walking around a nondescript factory, the air all around us filled our lungs with cocoa! And then my body spontaneously started floating as my nose led the way. I could have lived there basking in the sweet smell of the chocolate air forever! But, I have a feeling it was leading me back to this spot under the trees and across the pond towards Hansel and Gretel’s house.


