Sunday, September 09, 2007
Saturday 1st September
We head further North near Assen and the following day we go to Franeker Planetarium. The Planetarium is found nestled into a pretty row of houses and shops situated on one side of a tree-lined canal. Eise Eisinga built a clockwork replica of the solar system into the ceiling of his main living quarters in the late 18th century. The model shows the planets (that were known about in that era) in real time orbiting the sun, so for example, it will take the model of Saturn just under 30 years to complete its cycle. There are dials showing when the moon and sun will rise and set that day, what phase the moon is in and the position of the Zodiac. A small pendulum, cogs and wheels in his attic and weights hidden in a cupboard, operates all these dials and orbiting globes. The workings are all original, this is no mean feat when you consider that during the second world war a German bomb exploded in the canal outside and destroyed or damaged most of the surrounding buildings but left the Planetarium untouched.
After the Planetarium we take a small side trip to Harlingen and watched the kite surfers for a little while. A very little while as it turned out because the wind was blowing and it was cold. However, on a nice day a walk could be enjoyed along the waters front and a trip to the lifting bridge will reward you with an eyeful of Schooners.
Monday 3rd September
We head to Geithorn an old traditional village where the houses are mainly on their own small islands and bridges criss-cross the river. The houses are traditionally quaint with their long sloping roofs and well-tended gardens with manicured lawns and organised flowerbeds. We are immediately hijacked by a boat owner and readily acquiesce to borrow one of his boats for an hour. With this arranged we meander along the gently flowing river, marvelling at the peace and tranquillity that abounds here in the Netherlands. For a country that is supposed to be the third most populated in Europe, the streets and roads at times appear deserted or at worse have the pleasant feel of a Sunday afternoon.
Tuesday 4th September
We pack up and head towards The Hague (Den Haag), a necessity in order to get a new front window for the caravan from the manufacturers located in Rotterdam. Before we pay them a visit however, we ring the Dutch friends we met when we first stepped into the Netherlands and arranged to meet them on the Wednesday. We met in the park so all boys could play and then had some warm drinks on the beach whereupon we were invited to dine with them on Sunday.
The following day we drive to Rotterdam to get the window replaced which proves to be easy and painless.
We head further North near Assen and the following day we go to Franeker Planetarium. The Planetarium is found nestled into a pretty row of houses and shops situated on one side of a tree-lined canal. Eise Eisinga built a clockwork replica of the solar system into the ceiling of his main living quarters in the late 18th century. The model shows the planets (that were known about in that era) in real time orbiting the sun, so for example, it will take the model of Saturn just under 30 years to complete its cycle. There are dials showing when the moon and sun will rise and set that day, what phase the moon is in and the position of the Zodiac. A small pendulum, cogs and wheels in his attic and weights hidden in a cupboard, operates all these dials and orbiting globes. The workings are all original, this is no mean feat when you consider that during the second world war a German bomb exploded in the canal outside and destroyed or damaged most of the surrounding buildings but left the Planetarium untouched.
After the Planetarium we take a small side trip to Harlingen and watched the kite surfers for a little while. A very little while as it turned out because the wind was blowing and it was cold. However, on a nice day a walk could be enjoyed along the waters front and a trip to the lifting bridge will reward you with an eyeful of Schooners.
Monday 3rd September
We head to Geithorn an old traditional village where the houses are mainly on their own small islands and bridges criss-cross the river. The houses are traditionally quaint with their long sloping roofs and well-tended gardens with manicured lawns and organised flowerbeds. We are immediately hijacked by a boat owner and readily acquiesce to borrow one of his boats for an hour. With this arranged we meander along the gently flowing river, marvelling at the peace and tranquillity that abounds here in the Netherlands. For a country that is supposed to be the third most populated in Europe, the streets and roads at times appear deserted or at worse have the pleasant feel of a Sunday afternoon.
Tuesday 4th September
We pack up and head towards The Hague (Den Haag), a necessity in order to get a new front window for the caravan from the manufacturers located in Rotterdam. Before we pay them a visit however, we ring the Dutch friends we met when we first stepped into the Netherlands and arranged to meet them on the Wednesday. We met in the park so all boys could play and then had some warm drinks on the beach whereupon we were invited to dine with them on Sunday.
The following day we drive to Rotterdam to get the window replaced which proves to be easy and painless.
