Holland Part 2....so many months later

No excuses......
Just simply going to keep posting about Europe and pretend the four months since the last post didn't happen! :)

One of my favorite things about Holland was the beautiful homes....everyone takes particular care of their property. I'm convinced the entire Dutch population has a green thumb. There isn't much space for everyone in such a small country, but the space they have - whether it be a small deck, patio, front stoop, or yard- is usually immaculately cared for. Here is selection of some of my favorite homes around Amersfoort and Gouda.

Cool little drive way! I would love to drive my car over a little bridge every night! :) This was one of the most charming neighborhoods we saw!







More of Gouda.....As a cheese fanatic it was fun to be in a town which a famous cheese is named after. We spent the early evening sitting in the town square devouring Gouda cheese and bread....basically the staples we survived on during our whole trip! :)

BIKES EVERYWHERE! If only for this reason alone, I could be convinced to live in Holland. Bicycle infrastructure is amazing!




Yes, those are wheel of cheese decorations (or perhaps lights!) suspended in the air!


World cup fever


Gouda town square




More Photos in and around Amersfoort....

Taken our first afternoon there, right off the plane! Jet lag, what jet lag? :)






In love with thatch roofs...not an exaggeration :)


Sheep or cows are never far off...


Dutch Montessori school!


Sign on the bike path


Groovy apartment building



Contrast the above picture to this....all within a mile of each other..


And onto Amsterdam....
Honestly not one of my favorite places in Holland. I much preferred the countryside. Laura and I out of curiosity took a very quick walk through the redlight district, which was deeply saddening and disturbing. That probably clouded my view of the city the rest of the day......
Here are photos of the more savory parts! :)





What did i tell you about the green thumb? ;)


More world cup fever!




To me, this photo is quintessential Dutch. :)




Floating flower market taken with my crappy camera







Our first time trying Indonesian food. The guide book said that outside of Indonesia, Holland is the best place to get it! It was quite delectable...somewhat similar to Thai food, but with it's own distinct charms!











My favorite building in the city, right outside the train station. A beacon of light near the redlight district.

Next post coming up soon... Den Hague and adventures with Ward!

Tomorrow is my last day of work before Christmas break, which means that more time (hopefully) awaits me next week!