Land o' Cheese and Herring

 

Goden Dag

I went to the grocery store yesterday afternoon. Among my takings was some solid Dutch bread and Beemster Cheese. The latter is a smooth semi hard cows milk cheese that makes a great breakfast.

The weather has turned. I left my hotel, then realized, yep. I had better take an umbrella and went back for it. I was soon glad as it began to drizzle and then pour. Where I'm from this would be called a storm. In Amsterdam it's Thursday.  I'd decided to visit two markets. The photo above is of Prinzengracht just down the street from me. I'm fascinated by the houseboats. Some are for rent as accommodation, but I wouldn't want to stay in one alone.

First stop was the Bloemenmarkt. It's very touristy, but this is Amsterdam's famous flower market. Tulip season is over, but the place is still worth a visit. They will happily sell you all sorts of flower-related goods and souvenirs.  Bins of bulbs and packets of seeds abound. Now these would be promptly confiscated at my port of entry probably found out by seed sniffing dogs.  The wooden tulips are cute, and I may bring some back.

I strolled around the canals licking windows and getting pelted by rain. Fortunately it was not cold, but I could have done without the wind. By this time I needed a toilet, and I did not want to pay, so I made my way home. I soon set out again for market number two.  But here's the thing. I took my phone out of my purse to recharge it, and then forgot it. I will be returning to Albert Cuyp Market and will take a photo, but in the meantime I put a photo of my takings below.

The market is famous and very, very touristy--something that did not bother me as I am a tourist. It's an extensive and interesting place. Most of the stands are food, but you can find souvenirs, jewelry, clothes, and various novelties. Most tourists come for the stroopwaffels, which are wafers filled with caramel. But if you want Greek, or Middle Eastern, or chicken nuggets, these are also on offer.

I was after something specific--a hareng brodje, which is a sandwich with pickled herring, onions, and pickles. The pickled herring is beloved by the Dutch, and I like it, too. They eat it straight. I prefer it in sandwich form. The place I went to also offered frites, so I got some of those as well.  I also visited a stand offering Mediterranean food and bought some olives.  Here you go.

What can exceed the bliss of biting into a Dutch style frite, rendered even more unhealthful by having bee dipped in mayonnaise?  I think this is one of those things that works well only on its native soil--The Netherlands and Belgium,  When you're here don't be squeamish. Try it!

The herring has a distinct fishy flavor. It would be too strong for me all by itself, but it works nicely in sandwich.

Tot Ziens