After some chaotic travel in the pouring rain and a quick sprint to the train, we made it to Zaanse Schans and spent the day learning about different prominent industries in the Netherlands. We watched a wooden clog making demonstration, learned about Gouda cheese production, toured the interior of a windmill and finished the day with some savory pancakes and a quick trip to the Zaanse Shans museum. 

Prior to visiting Zaanse Shans, I assumed that traditional wooden clogs were reserved for special occasions. I imagined that they were uncomfortable to wear and impractical to daily life. I was surprised to learn that years ago people in the Netherlands wore clogs on a daily basis, especially while working and farming in the fields. Contrary to my initial belief, the demonstrator noted that the clogs were effective at protecting the workers’ feet from rain and dirt and surprisingly comfortable.

We walked through the park and were lucky enough to watch an incredible Gouda cheese making demonstration. The woman explained the detailed process of making raw cheese as hundreds of blocks of the finished products lined the walls behind her. Soon after, we were ushered into a homemade cheese shop and we’re able to taste test different cheeses. I’ve never tasted so many delicious cheeses in my life. I ended up purchasing a block of extra old goat cheese and smoked goat cheese to bring back to the US!

After the cheese shop (definitely the highlight of the day), we made our way to a wood-mill and explored how they operated inside. In the particular mill we visited, the energy generated from the wind was used to cut giant trees into wooden planks. I watched as carefully arranged saws bobbed up and down, cutting the tree and causing saw dust to fly around the mill. The process was amazing to watch and seemed to be an incredibly sustainable way of manufacturing.