Getting to know the neighbors

Before I officially begin this post, let me begin by saying that you know you live in Amsterdam when... You go to take the trash out at 7:30AM and have just missed the pick-up, but since you see the truck down the street you jump in the car with your trash bag to catch them and throw it in their truck. Yes, that is how my morning started.  I usually have until 8:00AM, however, this morning they were very punctual.

Okay...back on track. Last Saturday we were invited to our neighbor's family home in Friesland for the day to explore the canals and lake on their boat. After a week of questionable weather forecasts, the clouds finally opened up on Saturday morning so that we could proceed as planned with some sun, relaxing on the patio, and a boat ride. Friesland is a province in the North of the Netherlands. They are known for their black and white pure bred cows (which you can smell everywhere), The Eleven City Skating Race that first took place in 1909 and has only been held fifteen times since then due to weather conditions, and the Frisian language which is the second official language of the Netherlands.

We arrived at the house a little before 1:00PM and after eating a light lunch started boarding the boat for our afternoon adventure. The boat was the perfect size for the 8 of us with comfy cushions for premium relaxation. It was nice to be a passenger and let the local do all of the work.

The 2 pregnant ladies get helped on the boat first.

The calm canal with all of the pretty houses before we got onto the lake.

Felipe popping open some champagne. Cheers to beautiful weather and being so fortunate to have found an apartment next to such lovely people.

Once out on the lake, the wind picks up and we throw on our rain jackets to keep dry from the crashing waves. 

As you can see, it was quite the lovely set-up. We didn't boat around completely aimlessly. Bernard had plans for us and took us to a little town called Sneek (pronounced Snake) to stretch our legs and for the obligatory restroom stop. Once in Sneek, we docked the boat and started walking towards the town center. Soon though, a trolley came by and after a brief exchange in Dutch, or Frisian, we all hopped on and it drove us to the town center.

For some reason, I look confused in many of the photos taken on this day...happy to see that Felipe is paying attention.

Sneek Town Hall built in 1550

Downtown Sneek

Stopping for coffee/tea. We've got some mixed emotions at this table.

Sneek Water gate - Saved by the locals revolting in the 19th century after the city made the decision to tear the gate down because it was considered an obstacle for steamships to pass through and no longer needed.  I'm happy that the locals won because it truly is a lovely piece of history and architecture. Another fun fact about this gate is that the gate used to close at 5:00PM everyday. In order to guarantee that everyone made it through on time, the clock was set 5 minutes slow in order to let everyone pass.

After our time in Sneek, we hopped back on the boat and ventured back to the house. Thankfully on the way back the wind was at our backs so it made for a little bit of a calmer ride. 

Skutsjesilen is a Frisian flat-bottomed boat that was used to carry manure, potatoes, and other goods back in the day. Today these boats are used for sailing matches and exploring the lake.

Thanks to our gracious hosts and amicable weather, it turned out to be such an enjoyable day. Bernard's love for his home country and knowledge of historical facts is infectious. Bernard and Wioletta sent us off with a parting book called "I love the Netherlands" to provide inspiration for our Dutch travels while we are here. It has beautiful photos and I must say, I still can't wait for next Spring's tulips!!