Haarlem

 

The old entrance to Haarlem, Netherlands looks slightly different from its namesake borough in New York City.  This  15th century medieval gateway on the Spaarne river, Amsterdam Poort, was one of 12 gates that guarded trade routes in and out of Haarlem but ultimately fell to the Spanish in 1573.

On Monday we took the bus (11miles from Amstelveen) and, in spite our sore calves, spent a relaxing day wandering through Haarlem.  In the center of town is Sint Bavo's Great Church, referred to as Grote Kerk, a huge gothic church was built 1502-1520.  The huge bell tower rang out every fifteen minutes and then with extensive tunes on the hour.

It houses one of Europe's finest organ, built in 1735.  In 1738 Handel tried the organ and pronounced it "excellent," and a young Mozart gave a recital there in 1766 and apparently "shouted for joy."  

These model ships are on display, a gift from the ship builders replicating the ships they were crafting at the time.

Canals and charming winding streets encircled the center of the city.

Haarlem is known for its idyllic "hofjes" - residential courtyards.  We came upon some of them as well as many narrow streets full of plants and flowers.

A lovely day without any public transportation screw-ups!

Today (Tuesday) was a day to relax at home and read. While Jim rode the bike to his Peets substitute, a bookstore cafe in the neighborhood, I took yet another beautiful walk, this time going through De Braak park.

This may be our swan song to comfortable outdoor activities as the temperature is climbing here over the next five days.