Gouda molen

Believe it or not I came across this giant by accident. I was wandering away from the centre of Gouda and was first alerted by the sweep of a blade, partially obscured behind trees. Coming closer was exciting. While most windmills are in open country this one has, over the centuries, become part of the town of Gouda. I had to come right up to its base before I could see it properly. Such a beautiful piece of engineering - really a work of art in its own right. While you are aware of the 'wish...wish...wish' of the blades, it is surprisingly quiet, outside and in. And yes, it was operating and open to the public - and it was free! Moreover there was no supervision. I was able to climb the five - maybe six - flights of unbelievably steep stairs, past all the layers of machinery, to get up to the platform which can be seen in the photos. It was just a very special experience. I have always thought living in a lighthouse would be an amazing - and I think living in, or by, a windmill would be similar. I am sure all mills have their own characters and personalities. There were little living quarters attached and clearly a caretaker was in residence.

Out one of the mill windows - another mill!!

From the platform - I couldn't get much closer to the blades than this

I think this might be some sort of brake mechanism? 

Little house on the left was the caretaker's cottage

Gouda...

I check with one of the rail attendants at Station Hollands Spoor about the correct platform for the train to Gouda. I say 'Gooda', like a good New Zealander, from the front of my mouth. She looks at me and makes a sound I recognise from China - of someone drawing it up and preparing to spit. I just don't know how to write it phonetically. It's a bit like the 'ch' in the Scottish 'loch', delivered right at the back of the throat, gutturally. I make a pathetic mumble and look at the attendant apologetically. I like it that they at least try it correct my pronounciation. I grew up with Dad trying his hardest, on a daily basis, to eliminate my New Zealand accent - it never worked.

Anyway Gouda, of the cheese and the spit is charming. The old town is bounded on all sides by water. The old buildings, both the grand and the humble, are splendidly preserved and a significant number seem to date from the 15th and 16th centuries (with periodic restorations, additions etc). Today (Saturday) there was a market filling the open area in the town centre. On this old map of Gouda it is that empty area around the Stadthuis...

Because of the market I couldn't get a good photo of the stunning Stadthuis so I have borrowed someone else's.

Other random shots from around Gouda...

Entrance to the Gouda Museum

Clock on the Stadthuis with moving figures

Stained glass in St Janskerk

And, finally, a preview of the next post...