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...