Gouda, Netherlands (I’ve heard the Dutch say “hoe da”, “who da”, “how da” and, I swear -“ yoda”)

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“People don’t take trips, trips take people.” – John Steinbeck

Gouda is celebrating 750 years as a town!
Their town hall is in the center of the square, built in the 16th century.
Complete with it’s very own glockenspiel.
Typical street scene.
Love this old Dutch building but you may be surprised by what’s on the first floor…
Yup, a little disturbing to me!
We’re staying in a very beautiful, old château and we’ve been storing our bikes overnight in the chapel.
And FINALLY we have good bikes. This is our last town in the Netherlands and we obtained bikes that have a few gears (3) and hand brakes. We have been pedaling bikes for the last week or so that simply did not coast. Either we constantly rotated our wheels or the bike stops. It’s so nice to have comfortable rides!
While riding through the countryside of Gouda I spotted this piece of “art” – no wait, I spotted a man hanging up clothes – no wait, I spotted a chicken helping with the laundry. You can be the judge as to what first caught my attention.
Very pretty scenery in every direction. Our heads swiveling back and forth as we ride along. So much to see – so much beauty.
Sigh – so serene.
So stuff happens when you’re riding rented bikes – while going along the polders Murph had a flat tire. (I know Casey, we DO have a lot of tire problems.) We were about 10 miles from Gouda and along comes another guardian angel – John! After attempting to pump up the tire we realized it was a valve problem. So, the guys loaded the bike into John’s car and he drove me back to the rental shop. Meanwhile, Murph rode my bike back. Once we were all together John said tot ziens (goodbye) and a bike exchange was made. Murph and I headed back out for another enjoyable afternoon. Once again we realize that people everywhere are pretty much the same – very lovely and anxious to lend a hand!
Can’t get enough of these pastoral views.
Art imitating life!

And picturesque towns to visit.

We think maybe all the water in the farmer’s fields make it even more beautiful.
Well, look what we found out in the middle of nowhere! Think we should support the locals?
But, of course!
The end of a lovely day.
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14 thoughts on “Gouda, Netherlands (I’ve heard the Dutch say “hoe da”, “who da”, “how da” and, I swear -“ yoda”)”

  4. Your bike tire problems seem to result in great encounters with local folks! This is a beautiful group of photos. And I’m betting it was the chicken.

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  5. Beautiful scenery!

    Men hanging laundry?

    Love the trust, leaving Murph to go off with a stranger…beautiful display of humanity.💖

    Loretta

    Spread Love ❤️

    >

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  8. I’m a couple of days behind you, still in Gouda and loving it! What a wonderful day. Believe it or not, I still haven’t visited Holland/the Netherlands and your experiences are really making me want to organise a trip…
    The countryside is so interesting, with people and animals living among all those water courses. So much to enjoy.
    I love the “3 surprises” photo 😄

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    1. Honestly, Alison I didn’t want to leave the Netherlands! I told Murph that when we get old(er) I want to spend a month or two kicking around the countryside with ebikes! No e bikes until we can’t pedal any longer!!! xoxo

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