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25-26 June
Netherlands - Giethoorn and Apenheul
Elisabeth & Teije2006-08-27 10:44:16
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lumps out of it which were used for heating. Because of the peaty soil there had already pools and lakes been formed and to transport the peat canals were dug. They are not very wide and most of the canals are just suitable for oneway traffic
Very nice are the houses which are often build isolated on a small island, very cute. But we are surprised to see that so many of them are for sale. Within 300 meters we count 7 houses. The lowest price is € 250,000, we find out later on the internet, but most are much more expensive. Why would people leave a pretty village like this, because of the tourists, maybe?
Although Giethoorn is just a small village, we walk around for a couple of hours. There is enough to see here, like the beautiful De Oude Aarde (the Old Earth) where minerals and gems are on display. It is not very big but surely worth a visit. And there are lots of galleries and small shops.
Now and then we see people from the neighboorhoud who still wear traditional costumes, but most people are obviously tourists. The sun comes through the clouds now and we can sit outside for a coffee and a brunch. We are just in time since after a few minutes all the tourists seem to follow us to the restaurant where we are sitting.
The best way to explore this village is by boat, with the old-fashioned punts (flat bottomed boats), canoes, whisper boats or by modern canal touring boat. There are many hiking trails and cycling pathways in the area, but you must have luck with the weather. With lots of wind and rain it isn't so pleasant here.
After this visit we drive through several small and charming villages to Kampen near the river IJssel and then via Zwolle to Laag Zuthem and Heino, the road that Teije cycled every day in his youth to go to school. This area has changed more than Giethoorn, according to his memory.
And to show Elisabeth that we also have real castles in the Netherlands, we have a look at
...
See photographs from:
Netherlands Gallery
