We were finally able to get a little more sleep this morning before packing our belongings back into our suitcases and boarding the bus that would take us to Rotterdam. We started the day off at Zaanse Schans, a cute little village outside of Amsterdam. I was overwhelmed by the area’s scenery as soon as I got off the bus. It was incredibly charming, with its cute stores, weaving bike paths and walking trails, and magnificent windmills set against the background of fields and water. Without any delay, our group went to Henri Willig’s, a well-known cheese maker and store in the region.

We heard about their dedication to sustainability and the process they use to make cheese during their company presentation. Finding out that they still make cheese using the same techniques they did when they originally started nearly 50 years ago was very interesting! To start the cheese-making process, they fill a tub with milk at 29 degrees Celsius and add their secret ingredients. After 30 minutes, the slicers begin chopping the milk, separating the liquid from the curds. What’s impressive is their commitment to sustainability. Nothing from the animals goes to waste. Any excess liquid is either returned to the cattle or sent to a beer distributor to create cheese-flavored beer. Once they have the curds, they press the cheese for 2-3 hours, then immerse it in a saltwater bath to develop a natural crust. After drying the cheese for a couple of days, they seal it with a layer of plastic. Henri Willig offers a wide range of flavors, and I was able to sample close to half of them. My favorite was the herbs & garlic.

Compared to cheese manufacturers in the US, Henri Willig is exceptionally animal-friendly, prioritizing both the welfare of their animals and the satisfaction of their customers. Their commitment to sustainability, which includes reusing all materials and avoiding harm to their animals, is truly remarkable. And what’s even more impressive is that they manage to maintain an incredible flavor in their cheeses, something I haven’t encountered at other cheese factories.

After the tour, we took a very long stroll through the town, taking in the charming sights of the colorful shops and iconic windmills. The atmosphere was absolutely delightful! Everywhere we looked, there were adorable ducks mingling with the goats and sheep, adding to the picturesque scene.

We discovered the art of clog-making, indulged in some waffles covering in chocolate, and browsed through the treasures of the gift shop. It was a fun-filled site visit, but soon it was time to bid farewell to Zaanse Schans and Amsterdam to continue our journey to Rotterdam!