Monday, August 25, 2008

My Town Monday - Variation - Delft!!





Well this week I have decided to report back on the various places that we visited while on holiday, a surrogate My Town!

The first place that we visited was Delft, only 12 or so miles from where we were staying. We drove into Delft with no problems, but parking was another matter! The main square is pedestrianised and all on street parking was residents only. The town is surrounded by canals so we seemed to do a lot of driving around in circles. The satnav (Stella) got herself confused, she knew where the parking was but was incapable to actually getting us anywhere near to it, very frustrating. In the end Tom and Debbielou went to the tourist office for instructions. We felt quite out of our comfort zone as we just didn't understand the language, although almost everyone does speak some English.

Delft is a very pretty town, the home of the painter Jan Vermeer (1632-75) and the burial place for Dutch Royalty.Vermeer is buried in the 13th century Oude Kerk.(which is the first picture, the church with the wonky tower!!) The Royal house Oranje-Nassau is also associated with Delft and members of that family are interred in the 14th century Nieuwe Kerk, including Prince William of Orange (Last picture above) This church is quite spectacular from the outside having been built over a large number of years.

Delft is known world wide for the very pretty blue and white pottery that is produced in potteries both in the town and in the surrounding area. As a tourist it was my duty to bring some of that back with me, I have some new blue and white Christmas baubles for my tree!!

13 comments:

WebGal said...

Oh what great pics! I hope to someday make it out of the US to see Europe!!

Barbara Martin said...

Great photos and an interesting blog on your trip. Holland is known for its impressionist painters.

When I worked in London, England I would go to the National Gallery to look at paintings done by Vermeer.

Suzanne said...

Just catching up with all the sisters blogs sounds like you had a great holiday hope you are well and rested!!. Sue :o)

Travis Erwin said...

I always enjoy a bit of globe hopping. You should show us a pic of the pottery.

pattinase (abbott) said...

I lived in Amsterdam for a year and Delft was my favorite place to visit. I was a bit surprised to find a red light district even there. I guess it's part of Dutch culture.

Lou Sims said...

WOW Lyzzy was expecting this ! ! Brilliant account and loved your description of the parking. Our sat nav is called Sally and also has problem finding car parks ! !

David Cranmer said...

What a rich country. Absolutely gorgeous pics and your post makes me wanna buy a plane ticket today.

debra said...

Thanks for posting such beautiful photos, Lyzzydee. Sounds like you had a wonderful holiday.

Reb said...

Sounds like a wonderful holiday! The photos are great, I like the shutters on the bldg in the middle photo. I agree with Travis, you should show us your pottery.

Debbielou said...

We had a great time didn't we !!!
I really must sort out my photos xx

Heather said...

Wow- what an incredible vacation- I have been reading your posts and viewing your pics. Someday I'll get to Europe!

Thanks for taking the time to read and comment on my article on Craft Critique.

Debbie Yates said...

Great pics Lyzzy - or is it Scarlett??? I am so glad you had such fun!

Katie said...

Fab photographs. I love reading about your holiday. I haven't been away this year so I am having a 'vicarious' holiday with your accounts! LOL

Katie
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