It was a bitter cold day with dazzling grey skies all around,
so naturally it was a good day to go out. My host parents Peter and Ellen took
Bart their son, Jody and me to Volendam which is just north of Amsterdam. It is
said that more foreigners have visited Volendam than actual Dutch people. This is very much like Table Mountain in Cape
Town. We live next to and see the mountain every day but there has definitely been
more tourists who have visited the top of the mountain than locals. I truly
believe that locals need to be tourists in their own cities every once in a while
as they miss out on things that other people travel half way across the world
to see. 
Back to Volendam which is a small typical Dutch town that has all the dutchy things you expect to see while in the Netherlands from clogs to cheese! And the renowned Haring...
This fish which is
eaten in a style that would make all mothers cringe is considered a Dutch delicacy.
Picked up by the tail, the slimy trawl slips off your platter and dangles in
the air menacingly. You then must lift the critter above your head and slowly
lower it into your mouth and let it slide right down your throat. Fortunately I had a strong stomach and
survived the two mouthfuls I managed to convince my mouth to receive, as
judging from the on-hand barf packet next to the stall we purchased our Haring
from, others weren’t that strong. 
Thankfully after that experience we got hot chocolate which
is a hundred times better here in Europe than anywhere else I’ve been. I then
treated everyone to some poffertjies which are brilliant little Dutch pancakes!
Taste like little sugar coated droppings from heaven. YUM
We then proceeded to try blend in as the native Dutchman and
what is a better way than dressing up. There was a fantastic shop where they
dressed you up like a 19th century Dutchman and take photos of you,
clogs and all! After wearing clogs I must admit I think the person who invented
them must have had feet of steel or they made it as a birthday present for
their mother in law.
Another great episode for me in the Netherlands! I am thoroughly
enjoying my time here. I do realise that it’s off to work tomorrow, if I can
even call it that! J
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