Volendam:

Well everyone, we wanted to get this trip in before the end of the summer vacation, Volendam which is in the northern part of holland is very picturesque. We got up early today and traveled to just north of Amsterdam. We came here to see what was around, and take a ferry over to Marken, as a good friend of Ina's had family there... well sort of.. only the name was in common. So Marken... we'll send ya the bill later..lol and the old woman that owns the gift shop on Marken .. well does sort of look like you and could be a close relative..if you seen her.. she has the genuine look of one of those shriveled up apple face dolls... just kidding my friend.

As we traveled there I had noticed we had drove past a spot were on my very first trip to Holland, I had gotten lost and had noticed this bicycle on the side of the road out in the middle of nowhere and always wondered who would leave it there and why was it left there just leaning on a fence. This where my fascination for the bicycles in Holland started.

 

Still puzzels me today, however the bike has long since been removed as evedienced as we past there today. This was the point back then.. that I turned around and headed for the best thing that was to happen to me in my life little did I know. So this little bike has been a fond memory. And soon after the image was given a name for a very special relative. As we drove past this point Ina and chatted about those events back then and chuckled as we reminiced and continued our journey to Volendam and Marken.


As we drove into town of Volendam early this morning and looked for a place to park close to the docks we pulled into this place and an older and very kind and cheerful gentleman with an aged face directed us to nice parking spot and stated that he had been working this parking lot for 50 years. He greatfully gave us some information as to what to see while we were here and where to eat as well places of special interest.

No wonder that a famous singer sang the praise of this characteristic Dutch fishing village in the words: "Anyone who wants to see the real beauty of Holland, goes to Volendam". As a result of its completely insulated location north of Amsterdam, this beautiful little fishing and tourist village has preserved its character for over six centuries, also because of the tough vitality of the local fishermen. The characteristic and charming small houses, which together with the canals and the drawbridges form the most picturesque spots, presenting the visitor with an atmosphere of geniality and romance.

After a brief walk around and a little bite to eat we headed for the dock directly to catch a ferry over to the little island town of Marken, which is now bridged to the main land. We could have driven there but we wanted to take the ferry over.



It was a short 15 minute boat ride to the little Island Town of Marken.

Marken:


As we got off the ferry, I noticed this boat tied to the docks and the name on it was "Escape Marken" we both had a good laugh as Ina's friend Marken should get a chuckle out of that one.