Following another traditional Dutch hotel breakfast, we went to the train station next to our hotel to travel to the windmill district. When we arrived, we were met with a completely different scene than central Amsterdam. There was a quaint village, with small canals running through swampy marshland. We met some friendly goats who were freely roaming in tall, grassy fields. Geese, ducks, and swans also inhabited the waterways. Alongside the shops and businesses of the village, stood proud windmills, which the neighborhood is known for.
I liked seeing this part of Amsterdam, that was more natural than the urban areas we had previously been in. Through the tours from the last couple of days, I heard common issues that arose when developing close to sea level. Houses are sometimes lopsided because of their sinking foundations. Transportation like the underground metro is difficult and expensive to build because they must be able to withstand force from the surrounding water. I was so glad to see this part of Amsterdam where the urban design was aimed at working with nature instead of against it. The preservation of the marshland gives habitat to natural species, absorbs rainwater, and creates a beautiful landscape to look at.
In the windmill district, we visited Henri Willig’s Cheese Company. We heard from an employee about the process of making cheese, which takes months and sometimes even years. Afterwards, we bused to the Zuiderzeemuseum, which gave us a glimpse into Dutch life in a small fishing village in the 18th and 19th centuries. The outdoor tour made the town feel like it was still brimming with activity. I was impressed by the ingenuity of Dutch people from centuries ago, who found ways to construct effective solutions to everyday problems.
Wednesday 5/15/2025