While on my trip in Netherlands I have traveled to Marken and Voldendam- some traditional villages along the coast
These villages are famous for their traditional and well kept village centers and is a "must see" when traveling to Holland. I was constantly amazed at how tiny these homes were that were so neatly and tidily situated along well kept paths on the shore line. Here are some examples from Voldendam (a somewhat touristy village):
I couldn't believe how people could fit into these houses. Perhaps there was more in the back, but generally they didn't have any big yards as well. But maybe the people here have learned to live with very little which might be a good reminder that one doesn't need so much stuff in the first place.
There are somewhat larger houses as well and they are also built in the traditional architectural style of this place. Again, very neat little houses (and I guess a family could live in here as well)
Traveling to another town called Marken, I was really touched how beautiful this town looked. The village is located on an island and as all villages along the coast is a former fishing village that still has a harbor today. There are canals almost everywhere, and some are used to commuting from the houses to other places in the village or the sea.
Notice how the base of some of these houses are made out of stone. I read somewhere that there used to be very big floods in the past which would have destroyed houses not built on such a foundation.
Here are a row of homes built in the same fashion. There is a bit of a yard, but nothing too fancy.
Lastly, can you spot the alligators?! If oyu look closely, there are two in the bottom left corner... But luckily they didn't seem to be too much alive ;)
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