This weekend we braved wind and rain to go adventuring outside Amsterdam. We filled the car with sweaters, coats and snacks and drove out to Broek in Waterland.
It is a marvelous place – quite possibly the best adventure I’ve ever had in the Netherlands.
It consists of 6-7 hours worth of canals meandering through 17th century villages and nature preserves. Every meter is filled with more visual delights than you can possibly take in.
Since we chose a day with perfectly ghastly weather, we had the place to ourselves – a perk we loved.
There were six of us so we divided up into two whisper quiet electric boats and received simple instructions, detailed maps and a pile of waterproof blankets.
Then we were off!!
Since a rather wicked storm was approaching, we opted for the 2 hour tour which was supposed to get us back before the rains started. It didn’t quite work out that way, but to be honest, we didn’t mind a bit.
I was utterly delighted by this treehouse. Wouldn’t you have loved clambering up there as a kid? Spying on all the folks puttering down the canals?
I like how the canal boats have their own little “garage” they’re kept in on the water.
And one day I would love to stay in a darling cottage just like this.
I can’t wait to show you more pictures of our watery explorations, but now I need to get back to the workmen in the house and attempt our motley communications of mingled Turkish, Dutch and English.
Do you like boating?
Wow! Your images are stunning. What pleasure can be had from something so simple as boating. It looks blissful despite
the weather.
It truly is a simple pleasure, Vanessa. 🙂 I loved it so much – we all did! – and can’t wait to go out again. Perhaps in the sunshine this time. 🙂
Oh, your narrative of the boat journey on Sunday is well matched by the photos. There’s so so much I haven’t seen or done in the Netherlands – thanks for helping me add one more thing to my list. Lots of love
Thank you, dear Oz!! I hope you are able to go before you move. I know you would LOVE it!!! 🙂 Big hugs and much love to you. 🙂
Oh my, those flowers near the water are amazing!!!! SO beautiful.
I’m very glad you like the painting. 🙂
Aren’t they wonderful, Malin? I couldn’t believe how big and lush they were. 🙂 I love your paintings!!! 🙂
Love boating! What a lovely place to spend the day!!!
It was perfect, Andi – especially with Heineken and salt and vinegar chips with us. 🙂
I think I’d LOVE to just float along those canals in a little boat and read a book or something under the flowers – gorgeous!
I would too, Andrea!! 🙂 We’re hoping to go back next month when we get some sunshine. 🙂
Holy cannoli! Those hydrangeas!!! Perfection. xoxo
Aren’t they fantastic, Lauryl!! I couldn’t get over how big and lush they were. 🙂
Your pictures are stunning, Krista! That cottage is just darling and I love how it’s right on the water…such gorgeous flowers too!
Thank you, Faith! It’s such a pretty little village I couldn’t stop snapping pictures. 🙂
The colours are so beautifully vivid! I don’t think I’ve ever seen green that green before! 😀
I agree, Lorraine! It’s almost fluorescent it’s so vivid.
What an enchanting place. Your photos are wonderful and let us share in at least a part of your adventure. Days like this one are enough to make one think all’s right with the world. Take care. Blessings…Mary
You are so right, Mary. 🙂 It really was a soul-settling sort of day, a peaceful calming of stresses and anxious thoughts. 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
So glad you are enjoying yourself Krista. It reminds me of eons ago when I stayed ona little houseboat on a canal outside of Amsterdam!
I sure am, Val. 🙂 I didn’t know you stayed on a houseboat!! How fun! 🙂
Oooooh … I’d drift away there, rain or shine, any day!! xx
Me too, dear J. We’re hoping for a sunny day soon so we can go out again without getting drenched. 🙂
Exactly…wow, couldn’t agree move, these photos are stunning Krista! You did such a great job arranging them 🙂 I think this has just become my new dream…to go meandering down a canal in the Netherlands – totally awesome day!