{"id":1,"date":"2025-03-05T22:30:13","date_gmt":"2025-03-05T22:30:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/?p=1"},"modified":"2025-11-22T21:24:45","modified_gmt":"2025-11-22T21:24:45","slug":"hello-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/?p=1","title":{"rendered":"A Postcard from Zaandam"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.kb-row-layout-id1_92b72b-af > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id1_92b72b-af > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id1_92b72b-af > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kb-row-layout-id1_92b72b-af > .kt-row-column-wrap > div:not(.added-for-specificity){grid-column:initial;}.kb-row-layout-id1_92b72b-af > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 2fr) minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id1_92b72b-af > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1_92b72b-af > .kt-row-column-wrap > div:not(.added-for-specificity){grid-column:initial;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1_92b72b-af > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 2fr) minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id1_92b72b-af > .kt-row-column-wrap > div:not(.added-for-specificity){grid-column:initial;}.kb-row-layout-id1_92b72b-af > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id1_92b72b-af alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-3-columns kt-row-layout-left-half kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column1_85720c-6c > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1_85720c-6c > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1_85720c-6c > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1_85720c-6c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1_85720c-6c > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1_85720c-6c > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1_85720c-6c{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1_85720c-6c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1_85720c-6c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1_85720c-6c\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113842470-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113842470-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113842470-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113842470-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113842470-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113842470-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113842470-600x338.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column1_0d5ba0-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1_0d5ba0-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1_0d5ba0-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1_0d5ba0-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1_0d5ba0-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1_0d5ba0-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1_0d5ba0-33{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1_0d5ba0-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1_0d5ba0-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1_0d5ba0-33\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113124599_HDR-1-576x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6422\" srcset=\"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113124599_HDR-1-576x1024.jpg 576w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113124599_HDR-1-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113124599_HDR-1-768x1365.jpg 768w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113124599_HDR-1-864x1536.jpg 864w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113124599_HDR-1-1152x2048.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113124599_HDR-1-600x1067.jpg 600w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113124599_HDR-1-scaled.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column1_744dde-64 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1_744dde-64 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1_744dde-64 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1_744dde-64 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1_744dde-64 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1_744dde-64 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1_744dde-64{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1_744dde-64 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1_744dde-64 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1_744dde-64\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"461\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_114146516_HDR-461x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6423\" srcset=\"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_114146516_HDR-461x1024.jpg 461w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_114146516_HDR-135x300.jpg 135w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_114146516_HDR-768x1707.jpg 768w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_114146516_HDR-691x1536.jpg 691w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_114146516_HDR-922x2048.jpg 922w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_114146516_HDR-600x1333.jpg 600w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_114146516_HDR-scaled.jpg 1152w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 461px) 100vw, 461px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id1_7066a9-41 .kb-table-of-content-wrap{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id1_7066a9-41 .kb-table-of-contents-title-wrap{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id1_7066a9-41 .kb-table-of-contents-title{font-weight:regular;font-style:normal;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id1_7066a9-41 .kb-table-of-content-wrap .kb-table-of-content-list{font-weight:regular;font-style:normal;margin-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}<\/style>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes, travel brings sunshine\u2026 and sometimes, it brings sideways rain. My visit to Zaandam \u2014 just north of Amsterdam \u2014 was most definitely the latter, but I\u2019m learning that some destinations shine even brighter when the rain joins the adventure. Even under grey skies, this quirky little city had plenty of charm to uncover, especially for those of us exploring life\u2019s \u201csecond era\u201d with curiosity and waterproof coat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I drove in from the close by Zaanse Schans Open Air Museum \u2014 an easy, straightforward journey  just before the heavens opened \u2014 and found parking in one of Zaandam\u2019s large underground \u201cQ-park\u201d car parks. It made exploring on foot wonderfully stress-free, especially when the weather had other ideas. If you are travelling by other&nbsp; means both train and buses to Zaandam are accessible and frequent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The INNTEL Hotel: A Fairytale in Stacked Houses<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image1_5a0df6-68 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image1_5a0df6-68 size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"461\" src=\"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_114112961_HDR-1-1024x461.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-6428\" srcset=\"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_114112961_HDR-1-1024x461.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_114112961_HDR-1-300x135.jpg 300w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_114112961_HDR-1-768x346.jpg 768w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_114112961_HDR-1-1536x691.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_114112961_HDR-1-2048x922.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_114112961_HDR-1-600x270.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id1_9a8049-9e > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id1_9a8049-9e > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id1_9a8049-9e > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id1_9a8049-9e > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1_9a8049-9e > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id1_9a8049-9e > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id1_9a8049-9e alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column1_1025a5-5a > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1_1025a5-5a > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1_1025a5-5a > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1_1025a5-5a > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1_1025a5-5a > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1_1025a5-5a > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1_1025a5-5a{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1_1025a5-5a > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1_1025a5-5a > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1_1025a5-5a\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image1_3ba035-ff .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image1_3ba035-ff size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113120589_HDR-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-6411\" srcset=\"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113120589_HDR-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113120589_HDR-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113120589_HDR-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113120589_HDR-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113120589_HDR-1-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113120589_HDR-1-600x338.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Inntel Hotel Zaandam may be one of the most iconic hotel fa\u00e7ades in the Netherlands. From afar, it looks like a towering collage \u2014 traditional Zaanse wooden houses piled high like toy blocks. Each \u201chouse\u201d shape is painted in varying tones of green and blue, reflecting the historic architecture of the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Standing underneath its whimsical, leaning geometry made me feel like I\u2019d stepped into a Dutch children\u2019s storybook \u2014 even on a rainy  day. It\u2019s playful, bold, and completely one-of-a-kind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strolling Gedempte Gracht: Colourful &amp; Compact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From the hotel, I wandered down Gedempte Gracht, Zaandam\u2019s lively pedestrian shopping street. Even in bad weather, it had personality: bright shopfronts, pops of modern design, and plenty of places to duck in for warmth. It\u2019s not a grand boulevard, but it\u2019s a pleasant place to take a gentle stroll and watch local life unfold and wall as window shop or pick up a souvenir along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A perfect little detour \u2014 and somewhere to dry off between raindrops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Finding Shelter: A Coffee Break to Savour<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of course, all that wandering in the drizzle called for a cosy break. Zaandam has no shortage of cute caf\u00e9s (most are dog friendly), and Molly and I  happily escaped the rain inside one \u2014 the perfect excuse to sip a hot chocolate and munch a stroopwafel, gaze out at the colourful buildings, and simply enjoy the moment. The kind of place that wraps around you like a cozy blanket.&nbsp;no hurry, no agenda\u2026 just presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is one of my favourite gifts of travelling in my Second Era:<br><strong>not filling every moment, but letting moments fill me.<\/strong><br>Sometimes, it\u2019s those small travel pauses that help  you enjoy the moment even more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"> The Kissing Couple (Het Kussend Paar)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After a short drive and a quick hop on a free ferry across the water, I reached my favourite sight of the day:<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id1_b140b3-5c > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id1_b140b3-5c > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id1_b140b3-5c > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id1_b140b3-5c > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1_b140b3-5c > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id1_b140b3-5c > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id1_b140b3-5c alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column1_bd79b9-be > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1_bd79b9-be > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1_bd79b9-be > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1_bd79b9-be > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1_bd79b9-be > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1_bd79b9-be > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1_bd79b9-be{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1_bd79b9-be > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1_bd79b9-be > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1_bd79b9-be\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id1_1ecca9-28 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id1_1ecca9-28 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id1_1ecca9-28 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id1_1ecca9-28 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1_1ecca9-28 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id1_1ecca9-28 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id1_1ecca9-28 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column1_8bccea-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1_8bccea-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1_8bccea-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1_8bccea-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1_8bccea-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1_8bccea-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1_8bccea-b3{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1_8bccea-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1_8bccea-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1_8bccea-b3\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image1_f4f1fa-11 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image1_f4f1fa-11 size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"461\" src=\"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_130727078_HDR-1024x461.jpg\" alt=\"Kissing Statue near Zaandam\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-6416\" srcset=\"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_130727078_HDR-1024x461.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_130727078_HDR-300x135.jpg 300w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_130727078_HDR-768x346.jpg 768w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_130727078_HDR-1536x691.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_130727078_HDR-2048x922.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_130727078_HDR-600x270.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The &#8220;Kissing Couple XXXL&#8221; statue . This giant statue designed by artist Saske van der Eerden, and inspired by classic Delftware, depicts two figures in traditional Dutch dress leaning in for a kiss. Smaller pocket sized versions are famous souvenirs.&nbsp; The original Delft Blue figures are believed to be Jan and Grietje &#8211; a traditional farming couple from the 18th century. The location of the statue marks a spot where cyclists pause, along a popular cycle route, awaiting the Hempont ferry or somewhere to picnic and watch boats, barges and cruise ships glide past in the day time, whilst by night the statue is illuminated every evening. The project, carried out in collaboration with a number of partners, including the City of Amsterdam and the Ministry of Infrastructure, is part of an urban layout project. More than just a work of art though, this sculpture is an invitation to share love and immortalize a moment in front of this iconic landmark symbol. Definitely a instagram or &#8216;KODAK&#8217; moment !<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Kissing Couple XXXL stands almost 10 meters tall. The boy is 8.6 meters high and the girl is 8.1 meters high and there is only 20cm of space between their lips. Together, they weigh 6,700 kg. They took 2 years to design and just over 6 months to construct and was unveiled in late November 2017.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Hempont ferry itself has a long history. Established in 1876, it connects Amsterdam Westpoort and Zaandam. Until 1932, people pulled it by hand along a cable, but today, it operates 24 hours a day without any manual effort!   Pedestrians and cyclists ride for free. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Up close, they\u2019re  <em>huge<\/em> \u2014They\u2019re sweet, romantic, and full of nostalgia \u2014 a reminder of the affectionate, playful side of Dutch culture. a great photo spot and a lovely symbol for those of us embracing joy, connection, and even new romance later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Visit Zaandam ?<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id1_5a90f8-66 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id1_5a90f8-66 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id1_5a90f8-66 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id1_5a90f8-66 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1_5a90f8-66 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id1_5a90f8-66 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id1_5a90f8-66 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column1_c01242-e7 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1_c01242-e7 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1_c01242-e7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1_c01242-e7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1_c01242-e7 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1_c01242-e7 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1_c01242-e7{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1_c01242-e7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1_c01242-e7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1_c01242-e7\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image1_be4a7b-dd .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image1_be4a7b-dd size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113818536_HDR-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Zaandam on a rainy day\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-6408\" srcset=\"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113818536_HDR-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113818536_HDR-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113818536_HDR-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113818536_HDR-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113818536_HDR-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_20240415_113818536_HDR-600x338.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Source Second Era Gadabout. Zaandam and Inntel Hotel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I\u2019ll be honest \u2014 there isn\u2019t a huge amount to do here if you\u2019re seeking full-day entertainment. But as a short stop or part of a wider itinerary, it\u2019s definitely worth a look and pausing for  a spot of shopping, refreshments or a meal in one of the cafes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>My reason<\/strong>: I wanted to finally see the Inntel Hotel  and Kissing Statue up close<br><strong>My bonus<\/strong>: Combining Zaandam with a longer visit to the nearby<br><strong>Zaanse Schans Open-Air Museum<\/strong> \u2014 which I\u2019ll share in a separate blog<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s a great combination: a dash of modern whimsy in Zaandam, then traditional Dutch heritage just down the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Second Era Takeaway<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Travel in midlife doesn\u2019t always need to be epic or long-haul. Some days, it\u2019s enough to take a short trip, discover one or two things that spark joy, snap a few photos, and feel inspired \u2014 even if your hair gets soaked by the rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What Zaandam Taught Me<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rainy days aren\u2019t disruptions \u2014 they\u2019re invitations. To slow down.<br>To notice more.<br>To appreciate warmth, laughter, and shelter.<br>To find joy in unexpected forms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not unlike midlife itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, here\u2019s my postcard to you \u2014 fellow Gadabouts embracing your next chapter:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Don\u2019t wait for perfect conditions.<\/strong><strong> There\u2019s beauty happening now \u2014 even through the raindrops.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Until the next journey\u2026<br>Here\u2019s to seeing the world more deeply \u2014 whatever the weather.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kt-info-box1_fee806-36 .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{max-width:unset;}.kt-info-box1_fee806-36 .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);}.kt-info-box1_fee806-36 .kadence-info-box-icon-container .kt-info-svg-icon, .kt-info-box1_fee806-36 .kt-info-svg-icon-flip, .kt-info-box1_fee806-36 .kt-blocks-info-box-number{font-size:50px;}.kt-info-box1_fee806-36 .kt-blocks-info-box-media{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;padding-top:10px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px;}.kt-info-box1_fee806-36 .kt-blocks-info-box-media-container{margin-top:0px;margin-right:15px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:15px;}.kt-info-box1_fee806-36 .kt-blocks-info-box-learnmore{background:transparent;border-width:0px 0px 0px 0px;padding-top:4px;padding-right:8px;padding-bottom:4px;padding-left:8px;margin-top:10px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-infobox kt-info-box1_fee806-36\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap info-box-link kt-blocks-info-box-media-align-top kt-info-halign-left\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-media-container\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-media kt-info-media-animate-none\"><div class=\"kadence-info-box-icon-container kt-info-icon-animate-none\"><div class=\"kadence-info-box-icon-inner-container\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_map-signs kt-info-svg-icon\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M507.31 84.69L464 41.37c-6-6-14.14-9.37-22.63-9.37H288V16c0-8.84-7.16-16-16-16h-32c-8.84 0-16 7.16-16 16v16H56c-13.25 0-24 10.75-24 24v80c0 13.25 10.75 24 24 24h385.37c8.49 0 16.62-3.37 22.63-9.37l43.31-43.31c6.25-6.26 6.25-16.38 0-22.63zM224 496c0 8.84 7.16 16 16 16h32c8.84 0 16-7.16 16-16V384h-64v112zm232-272H288v-32h-64v32H70.63c-8.49 0-16.62 3.37-22.63 9.37L4.69 276.69c-6.25 6.25-6.25 16.38 0 22.63L48 342.63c6 6 14.14 9.37 22.63 9.37H456c13.25 0 24-10.75 24-24v-80c0-13.25-10.75-24-24-24z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kt-infobox-textcontent\"><h2 class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-title\">Practical Tips for Zaandam<\/h2><p class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-text\"><em>(Save this for your trip!)<\/em><br><strong>Getting There<\/strong><br>Just <strong>12\u201315 minutes by train<\/strong> from Amsterdam Central Station<br>If you\u2019re <strong>driving<\/strong>, look for one of the large <strong>underground car parks<\/strong> near the centre \u2014 ideal in wet weather<br>The <strong>Kissing Couple statue<\/strong> is across the river \u2014 use the <strong>free ferry<\/strong> to get there<br><strong> How Long to Spend<\/strong><br>Zaandam is perfect for a <strong>1\u20132 hour visit<\/strong> or as part of a <strong>day trip to Zaanse Schans<\/strong><br><strong> Must-Sees<\/strong><br><strong>Inntel Hotel Zaandam<\/strong> \u2014 iconic architecture<br><strong>Gedempte Gracht<\/strong> \u2014 pedestrian shopping street<br><strong>Kissing Couple Statue<\/strong> (Het Houthaven Kissing Paar)<br><strong> Coffee &amp; Breaks<\/strong><br>Plenty of caf\u00e9s near the station and Gedempte Gracht to warm up and watch local life<br><strong>Combine With<\/strong><br><strong>Zaanse Schans Open-Air Museum<\/strong> (another blog coming!)<br>A great mix of <strong>modern Zaandam + traditional Holland<\/strong><br><strong>Good to Know<\/strong><br><strong>Not a long list of attractions<\/strong>, so a perfect short stop<br>Everything is <strong>easy, flat, and walkable<\/strong> \u2014 ideal for travellers 50+<br><\/p><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sometimes, travel brings sunshine\u2026 and sometimes, it brings sideways rain. My visit to Zaandam \u2014 just north of Amsterdam \u2014 was most definitely the latter, but I\u2019m learning that some destinations shine even brighter when the rain joins the adventure. Even under grey skies, this quirky little city had plenty of charm to uncover, especially&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[25,32,23,55],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-characterful-cities","category-city-guides","category-cultural-and-immersive-experiences","category-winter"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6430,"href":"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1\/revisions\/6430"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/quizzical-keldysh.194-164-22-248.plesk.page\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}