If I didn’t have my photos to look at (over 1,000 of them) it would be easy to start to think that my two and a half weeks in Europe were a dream. We saw so many amazing and wonderful sights and I need the proof of the pictures to convince me that we were really there. This is my fourth day home and I am so jet lagged I can barely get through the day…sleepy in the afternoon…wide awake around 2 a.m. It took over two weeks to get my sleep schedule turned around to European time and it’s going to take me about as long to get back to our time here in the Pacific NW. My daughter and I had some grand adventures, ate lots of wonderful food, saw amazing sights, and are overwhelmed by how beautiful the countrysides are in The Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland. We flew into Amsterdam several days before our cruise started so we had time to explore the city…yes, we did end up in the red light district on the first day, but other than that we walked our legs off and loved the city.
On our first cruising day we stopped in Kinderdijk, a small village in The Netherlands, that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997 and is one of Holland’s most popular tourist sites. Built here in the 1700’s, nineteen windmills were used to control water level differences between land and the river. The mills pumped excess land water into reservoirs where it was held until it could be pumped into the rivers. We arrived at the site early in the morning and first saw the windmills as a heavy mist began to clear. The mills are lined up in two opposite rows and form a spectacular sight. In July and August, you can witness how all nineteen mills still operate. During wintertime, you can capture picturesque moments when families ice-skate along the canal.
A significant part of Holland is up to approximately 7 meters below sea level. and an incredibly innovative and intricate system keeps the ever-rising seawater from flooding the land.
One of the windmills is operational and open for view. In the past families lived in all of them. Despite their tight quarters the homes were comfortable and efficient.
I’m saving Amsterdam for another post when I’m more alert but thought you might enjoy a photo of one of the stalls in their famous flower market. The colors were spectacular.
Wow. Sounds like a wonderful trip!
It was wonderful, Ramona. So many beautiful sights to see and it was very special to share it with my daughter.
Cathy recently posted..The Windmills of Kinderdijk
Thanks for the photos. Can’t wait for the next post. Cathy, if you can have your morning coffee outside on your patio. The daylight will help reset your internal clock. Also, if you can get out and walk just for 10 or 15 minutes. You may be short on sunshine where you live, but these two things helped me. I wish I had been aware earlier since I get jet lag if I fly between just one time zone.
Madonna/aka/Ms. Lemon recently posted..Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Thanks, Madonna. I’ll take your advice and take a walk in the mornings. I know I will get through this but it sure is miserable for a short time. To be truthful, it was worth the uncomfortable few days. We had a great time.
Cathy recently posted..The Windmills of Kinderdijk
Great photos and trip. Holland is beautiful!!!
Thanks, Pam. Holland was wonderful. Hope to go back someday.
Cathy recently posted..The Windmills of Kinderdijk
this place looks magic thanks for sharing and hope your over the jet lag soon
rebecca recently posted..Banana Tea Loaf
Thanks, Rebecca. A few more days and I should be back to normal. It’s a small price to pay…
Cathy recently posted..The Windmills of Kinderdijk
Very impressive photos Cathy. It sounds like you had a wonderful trip. I had no idea Holland was below sea level. The windmills are magnificent. Families of the light keepers also lived in or near the light house in the Bahamas. It was considered a big deal to be a light keeper and I suspect that same must ring true for the windmill keepers.
I can’t imagine how awful your jet lag but be. We live in the east coast and it’s bad enough there returning from Europe.
Sam
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen recently posted..Smoked Salmon Sandwich on a French Baguette
Hi Sam. The last leg of the trip from the east coast to the west coast is brutal. That’s the part that always does me in. The Dutch were brilliant in the way they managed the water levels and claimed all that beautiful farmland. It was an awesome sight.
Cathy recently posted..The Windmills of Kinderdijk
Oh the windmills!!!!!! Love those shots Cathy..Dreamy..I am picturing skaters now too..Great tips from Madonna..if I travel abroad again I will remember!
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Thanks, Monique. It was like being in a beautiful painting. The mist in the morning gave it a surreal look. What a magical place.
Cathy recently posted..The Windmills of Kinderdijk
What a fantastice trip, Cathy!! I am so envious of your travels…thanks for taking us along & sharing your delightful photos.
I smiled at the wooden shoes hanging on the wall & it reminded me of the wooden clogs my older brother used to wear. I have no idea where he got them (he was in the Air Force) but they were very unique. I always think of him when I see wooden shoes!
I remember that jet lag from our European travels & you’re right…it takes DAYS to get over it completely. Ugh! I must try to remember Mrs. Lemon’s advice for the next time I get to go somewhere far, far away.
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Welcome home! Terrific photos, Cathy! There is something so charming about windmills!.
Susan recently posted..Apple and Cheese Turnovers
Welcome back Cathy! Your photos are simply outstanding! Thanks for sharing.
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I followed your trip on FB, and I envied you in a good way. I know how excited you were to go on that cruise. Your pictures are wonderful! My surgery is in two weeks, and I hope and pray that I”ll finally be able to walk enough for us to make our own journey to Bavaria. I’m happy for you, and excited for us.
Cathy, I know you had a great time and that darn jet lag will pass eventually. Windmills, just like we always read about as children…and then to see them in reality. I imagine you had to pinch yourselves several times.
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