Haarlem
JULIO
Haarlem is very quintessentially Dutch and situated fifteen minutes from Amsterdam and home to many residents who commute daily to the nearby city for work. Having loved Amsterdam but wanting to escape the tourists we had heard of its charms and slightly more local feel and were eager to explore. Haarlem is known for its beer, tulips and its tremendous pipe organ once played by Mozart at the St.Bavokirk church. Grote Markt (Market Square) is the center of town where ten streets converge and give way to eateries, cafes and bars to sit and take in Dutch life which resembles the many paintings you see in its museums. Also towering above the square is the beautiful Grote Kerk (Great Church) which houses the 100 feet high, with 5,000 pipe organ once played by the great Mozart himself.
We were so lucky to find a superb full canal house in our budget on Booking.com which made our stay feel even more authentic and memorable. When we entered the home, the stairs where like a ladder going straight up, a feature of space saving architecture known as Dutch Stairs. The house was spacious and the views were unforgettable it is also worth noting that it was caddy corner to Haarlem's red light district (legal since the 80's) which was never a nuisance but made for an exciting walk to the square.
The Netherlands is advanced in so many ways. Social rights, societal and civic participation, personal freedom and education are paramount and one feels the positive results of these uniquely Dutch values. There is also a confidence that the people exude which never comes off as obnoxious or obtrusive, simply sure footed and self aware. Haarlem was an awesome visit and gave us great memories and a more relaxed window into Dutch life.
The intimidating set of "Dutch Stairs". Getting our bags was quite a task without falling down.
STEEP DUTCH STAIRS!
This was the main living area of the canal house with stairs leading up to the bedroom.
The view from the canal house.
Cruising around the lovely streets of Haarlem.
Haarlem felt like a kinder, gentler, more local part of the Netherlands. No tourists, and all the charm of the ideal Dutch esthetic.
Windmill! Time for one of Christina's gratuitous selfie sessions.
Dutch churches are so beautiful featuring vigorous steeples and crowns on top
This is the old gate marking the path to Amsterdam
These are poffertjes! Delicious little buckwheat pancakes. There is no end to the onslaught of pannenkoeken
AAHhh the Netherlands, perhaps the most perfect place on earth.
FOOD FACTS: The Dutch diet is based on fresh unprocessed foods and is high in carbs. The Dutch consume 6-7 slices of bread per day! They also consume alot of dairy products high in probiotics and enzymes.