Another day trip to The Netherlands

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Exploramum and Exploramum – The Netherlands – windmill # 1

Another day trip to The Netherlands

We are headed back to the Netherlands. 

This is just Explorafriend and I as we have had a kind offer by the people we are staying with to look after Explorason so he can play with his grandkids and go to the movies, so we decided to go back to Holland.

We took off like Thelma and Louise, with the sun shining in the blue sky as we started our beautiful day.

First stop, we drove through Antwerp but due to lack of time we didn’t stop and walk through – just a look as we drove around the historical section. We then visited Breda a cute town, so we parked the car and walked over the canal. Instantly we felt like we were in The Netherlands.

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Exploramum and Exploramum – The Netherlands – Breda Canal

As the World Cup is on and their team won last night, the town looked and felt more like New Year’s Day. All quiet and strewn orange confetti from last night’s celebrations. There were loads of beer bars locked in the streets. All was quiet and serene.

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Exploramum and Exploramum – The Netherlands – Breda Streets

Even the chocolates were orange or like flags.  We purchase a flag from every country we visit and use these for education for Explorason too. When we finish our trip, we are going to hang all the different shapes and sizes on a string in order of our trip. So far 27 countries – not bad for a 9-year-old and a 52-year-old.

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Exploramum and Exploramum – The Netherlands – Dutch chocolates

Breda is a quaint town and the square has lovely alfresco dining.

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Exploramum and Exploramum – The Netherlands – Breda town square

Now it sprinkles with rain. Where did our sunshine go?  Grey clouds loom over the cathedral spire, so we move on.

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Exploramum and Exploramum – The Netherlands – Breda Cathedral

Next, the Dutch town was Dordrecht for lunch.  

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Exploramum and Exploramum – The Netherlands – Dordrecht canal #1

A lot of people from Belgium moor their boats here, so it is pretty as a picture.

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Exploramum and Exploramum – The Netherlands – Dordrecht canal #2

We have lunch by the canal and it is nice to relax outside child-free for a day.  Even though I miss him, it is nice to have adult conversations and a little peace and quiet.

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Exploramum and Exploramum – The Netherlands – lunch in Dordrecht

The wear looks a bit green, but it is pretty as a picture.

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Exploramum and Exploramum – The Netherlands – Dordrecht canal #3

We pass a few empty streets, and empty drops and can see how the recession has hit The Netherlands too.

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Exploramum and Exploramum – The Netherlands – Dordrecht Square

We wander into a small quirky store and buy a red check fabric piece for our picnic tablecloth.

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Exploramum and Exploramum – The Netherlands – Vespa

We take another detour to see the canal on the way.

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Exploramum and Exploramum – The Netherlands – Dordrecht canal #5

We were parked by Grote Kirk (Great Church) in the distance. We really haven’t got far!!  Time to move on.

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Exploramum and Exploramum – The Netherlands – Dordrecht canal #6

So we grab a few more photo moments.

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Exploramum and Exploramum – The Netherlands – Dordrecht canal #7

We then headed to Kinderdijk a town full of windmills lined along the waterways.

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Exploramum and Exploramum – The Netherlands – Kinderdijk windmill # 1

Some windmills were even turned into homes.

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Exploramum and Exploramum – The Netherlands – Kinderdijk windmill #2

So we park the car and walk along a little bike track.

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Exploramum and Exploramum – The Netherlands – Kinderdijk windmill # 3

It is so pretty and quiet and vegetable gardens are alongside the canal – I could stay here all day in this serene place.

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Exploramum and Exploramum – The Netherlands – Kinderdijk windmill # 4

Every which way you turn is a windmill; pretty flowers and greenery.

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Exploramum and Exploramum – The Netherlands – Kinderdijk windmill # 5

As we drive off you can see the windmills lined along the canal. I want to stop and explore, but we have been held up when a car crash occurred on a little bridge, and it is after 5 p.m. now.

So we start to head back and farewell this pretty little Dutch area.  It is a shame we only had a short visit. I do hope to come back and spend longer another trip.

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Exploramum and Exploramum – The Netherlands – Kinderdijk Giant Clog

There is so much of the world to see. The more I travel, the more I want to see, and the more I realize the world is a giant place. I could Explore this planet forever!

Questions and Comments

  • Have you been to the Netherlands?
  • Did you find it fascinating?
  • What places did you get to visit?
  • Do share your comments with us below.

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