Week 34 Beautiful Friesland

Week 34

Beautiful Friesland

I mentioned a while ago about a Newspaper competition to choose the "100 Most Beautiful (things) in Friesland". They are down to their last 10 and readers have to vote to determine No. 1.

http://itmoaistefan.frl/finalisten/

A couple (of the last 10) surprised me, but here are my favorites...

Waterpoort, Sneek

Zeedijk (The sea dike which goes from Stavoren to Lauwersoog)

 Noorderhaven, Harlingen

Now, in 2013, we stayed at a Bed & Breakfast (belonging to one of Janny's Aunties) in Harlingen. I hadn't started this Blog back then, but I did post a few photos on Google + (the poor man's Facebook). And I was able to find them again without any trouble!

Harlingen, Friesland. We stayed in a lovely B&B - De Rode Kers - (The Red Cherry). It is an old warehouse building dating from 1670. There are many more of these buildings around the harbour area. They have been converted to houses, but many of them have kept the original trading name at the front. It seems that the name indicates the principal trading country - eg Java, Sumatra, Brittania, Polen, Rusland, etc. for which the buildings were used.

With a few "boatie" photos thrown in...

Around the Farm

School holidays continue (dragging on a bit this year!)

Jeu de Boule kept them busy for half an hour...

Kenya Care

On Monday we had a visit from a couple who are teaching kids with special needs - somewhere in Kenya. She is originally from Friesland and I think married to the Kenyan chap who was here. They have started a private school for kids with special needs. She had originally been part of a volunteer group operating in Kenya and ended up staying there. Her father still lives in Bakkeveen and suggested that they come and have a look at what we do.
They were impressed and probably a bit overwhelmed in that they both had no idea that Care Farms like ours existed. We are only a small part of a complex system, developed over many years and generations. I said that I could not imagine such a system in Kenya (based on nothing at all). They agreed and went on to explain that even their school doesn't get any government assistance. In fact, they have to pay for permits to operate and are seen purely as "for profit". They said that government assistance is given for deaf and blind teaching, but not for the less obvious autism or otherwise "difficult" kids.
One thing that stuck with me was their observation that "there are just so many" (ie kids with special needs, in Kenya). Without the government support that we are familiar with, there are many parents who are desperate for a place at the school. Unfortunately, all the "special needs" are lumped together and without the appropriate support systems, they simply couldn't cope. Some parents just "lock the door" and leave the child to fend for itself.
As far as what we do, I said that in my own simple way, I try to teach the kids something (anything) that they might be able to use when they grow up... and they do grow up!
We left them with names of other Care Farms and other supporting organisations to follow up. As I think about it, I realise just what a far-reaching network there is here in the Netherlands. I'm afraid that they might have a near-impossible task in front of them, in Kenya. Perhaps the best they can do is remain enthusiastic and measure small successes along the way.

Skûtsje as "Summer House"

In Friesland at the moment the annual "skûtsje zeilen" competition is in full swing. 

(My translation)
In the newspaper of 24th august was a story about an Irish couple living on board a converted skûtsje. (note: a skûtsje hull has the same basic shape as our boat, but they are of a specific size and have sails!). 

John(69) and Winnie(66) found the boat in Toulouse in 2011. They bought it from a Swedish couple who had lived aboard for 5 years. They were not "boat people" but took only one day to decide to buy the boat! They have travelled to new places in the summer months, meeting new people and being the centre of attention, as many people in France had never seen a skûtsje .!
This year, they decided to come to Friesland to discover the history of the skûtsje. They couldn't believe their eyes to see so many of them in perfect condition and in full flight in the sailing competition.

They even found the descendants of the original owners of their ship (built in 1906). The family Zeemans had been turfschippers (peat diggers/transporters).
They are now absolute fans of the skûtsje, watching the competition on YouTube and even carrying their own skûtsje flag.

John and Winnie Eakins in AveSol, Leeuwarden

Picking Blackberries

A few weeks ago there was a minor uproar about the Forestry Commission putting a ban on picking blackberries!. A local botanical expert has declared "nonsense" and argues that people should be encouraged to get out in the "nature" and furthermore, "take the kids". The Forestry Commission argued that there would not be enough left for the birds... Again, "nonsense" says the expert. People only take the biggest and the ripest, leaving more than enough behind.
People would gain a better appreciation of the nature and wildlife if they are encouraged to participate in outdoor activities. For example, who knew that there are more than 40 types of blackberries in Friesland alone?

This weekend there are many activities planned, including "bramenplukken" (blackberry picking).

http://www.brommelsfestijn.nl/programma/?_sft_activity_category=plukken

More Leftovers...

Road Tolls vs Road Tax?

Whilst in France we passed through many road tolls (probably about €50 in total). We didn't object to any of it because it gave us a good run. There are no tolls in the Netherlands BUT we pay "yuuuge" road tax. So, what is best? We pay for everybody (including visitors from other countries) OR user pays, no matter where you are from? The Dutch do have a road/rail/water transport system to be proud of, not to mention the cycle path network.

Apparently, it was a political decision to do away with toll roads and finance road-building (and lots more!) by the imposition of Road Tax. 

Edit: I did find this...

There are two toll-tunnels in The Netherlands: The Kiltunnel and the Westerscheldetunnel. To travel through the Kiltunnel at Dordrecht it costs €2.00 for a car or €1.45 if paying by card. The cost of driving through the Westerscheldetunnel is €5 for cars or €3.80 if you have an electronic tag. If you are driving in larger vehicle, such as a bigger camper van or towing a caravan, the cost rises to €7.45 without a tag.

Black Russians

Pam had some delightful Black Russians in France, this year.

I'm not usually that fond of our home-grown tomatoes, but I thought I'd give these a try next year.

And this year's offerings, to date...