The Tour - Wednesday 30th May

Wednesday the 30th saw the Band pack up and move from their hotel in the north of the Netherlands, to a hotel just on the outskirts of Amsterdam.

The Band was a little disappointed to be leaving the Mercure Hotel in Haren, as we had had such a good time whilst staying there. But, we were looking forward to moving to Amsterdam and the new opportunities that would be available to us. Before moving on though, this picture was taken just to prove that the hotel was still standing when we left.

A quick spot of childminding for Julia, to give Dave and Kirsty time to pack their 5 suitcases!

And after a last minute check it was off on our magical mystery tour.

After leaving Haren we headed westwards towards Leeuwarden, before joining the road along the man made ridge which separates the Wadden zee (part of the North Sea) and the Ijsselmeer (the inland sea created by the construction of this barrier). We stopped halfway along at 'motorway' service station. The size of the Ijsselmeer is such that if you didn't know which way you are looking, you could be fooled into thinking that you are looking out to the North Sea.

 North Sea or Ijsselmeer?

That's Alison trying to see the sea.

Amazing things these zoom lenses.

So Alison, how does this compare with Withernsea?

There's someone out there that looks like Alison.

Don't think much of these grassy beaches.

I see no ships.

Look at that range of colour.

John & Julia travelling by car stopped at the same point. Good job, otherwise they would have hit the back of the coach!

 Just about time to carry on with our journey.

After several more hours on the coach, we arrived at the southern end of the Ijsselmeer, at a small town called Volendam. This is a traditional Dutch town, but now very much a destination for the tourist. On the outskirts of Volendam was a Clog and Cheese factory.

Off the coach and about to enter, but first some posed pictures.

What is it with women and shoes?

There was an old woman who lived in a shoe ....

So where have the children gone?

Oh there they are. So what have they done with Kirsty?

Make it look convincing ....

.... and look at the camera.

And in we went two by two.

A very interested audience.

And our hostess starts off the demonstration.

Ably assisted by her beautiful assistant. Let this be a lesson to you - if you go to a clog making demonstration, don't wear a bright yellow shirt.

 And then you stir it.

Apparently they picked a trombonist to play with the sharp tools because everyone else needs fingers for their valves!

Demonstration tip number 2 - Don't leave your camera with your 'friends' to look after!

Whilst the sharp tools and unwitting 'volunteer' may provide the image that we associate with clog making, the reality is something much more mechanical.

After the demonstrations, we visited the shop to try on a few pairs.

And despite the huge selection of shapes, sizes, and colours available, it appeared that only Vicki and Tony managed to get a pair to fit!

The dynamic duo?

Apart from clog making, the centre also produced a range of cheeses.  

Stewart doesn't look entirely convinced by the cheese and nettle recipe.

Liam hopes that the cheese with garlic will keep his brother at a safe distance.

Shaun looks twice at the green cheese suggested by Erin.

The archetypal Englishman abroad.

Why does the phrase 'in your dreams' spring to mind?

To go with the cheese, a special wine is needed - and a special wine was provided.

All we need now is a bunch of tulips.

And after the shopping, time for a quick beauty pageant.

We then drove back into the centre of Volendam, to have lunch and a gentle wander around. 

But, first a quick pose by the harbour. As you can see from the picture, the sun was almost as bright as some of the shorts on display.

See what I mean!

Volendam.

Some 'modern' sculpture, and a statue of an old man.

Getting ready to scrum down.

After walking twenty yards, it was time for a sit down.

Paul uses the 'I'll smile into the window reflection' approach to posing.

  Surprisingly, the local delicacy was fish.

Mmm, not sure about this.

Enough said.

Of course, having bought the clogs it would be daft not to wear them.

And they were still following us.

Starsky and Butch (not necessarily in that order), try to look as svelte as they ever do.

You've got to be careful with odd reflections when lining up a shot like this.

Doesn't take long for Kathy to train Tony to look at the camera.

No Tony, it's too short to be Kathy.

Back at the civilised end of town, John demonstrates the correct angle for the little finger.

Why is Pete wandering around Volendam with a goldfish in a bag?

Under 18, and over 18, ice cream benches.

Has Tony eaten something dodgy?

Looks like Tony is walking in front of his bodyguards.

The harbour and fishing boats at Volendam....

...and three of the 'local' buoys.

Our coach driver recommended we visit the Brown Cow public house, but as we had a rehearsal later on, it was a very quick visit ..........................honest!

 I don't care what the sat-nav says, its that way.

Oh no its not!

And after every 'discussion' there is time kiss and make up.

Actually you're both wrong, it's this way!

Don't disturb me whilst I'm reading the menu.

It's not a bad view from the coffee shop.

Ahoy, my hearties!

How long to transfer the ice cream from cornet to face?

Two contrasting views of Volendam, showing both the traditional architecture and the tourist tat shops.

 Another view of the harbour.

I didn't realise you were so well trained Shaun!

Despite the glasses, hat and ridiculous shirt, we can still tell it's you Neil.

 Fancy pudding?   Mmm, definitely!

And down to the sea we went. Can you tell just by looking at the picture that we come from a nation with a long and distinguished nautical heritage?

Come on in, the water's lovely.

I don't believe you.

A quick paddle, and Thomas turns into Captain Webb.

All goes swimmingly, until .... what's that I've stood on. Aaargh!!!

Marvellous.

Of course, that just left the small problem of how to get back to the coach, without putting wet feet into dry shoes. Strange though that no one volunteered to carry Thomas back!

Leaving Volendam, we drove the short distance to our next hotel, the Lakeland. Situated  on the edge of the village of Monnickendam, and not too far away from Amsterdam. 

The new hotel and straight back down to business for Mark as he arranges his playing schedule for our return to England.

The main hotel complex and our limousine.

You travel all this way, and then get dodgy neighbours.

But you have to admit ....

.... the view's not too bad.

Not sure if Paul is modelling his evening wear, or he is just about to have his room inspected.

Before setting out for the evening, Jim put the Band through their paces as he rehearsed the programme for the next couple of concerts.

.Could this be the before and ....

.... after shot?

Some of the traditional architecture in Monnickendam.

 John and Julia had carefully selected a quiet restaurant for a candlelit dinner for two, and their peace was shattered with the arrival of most of the Band.

Not sure whether the Band arrived or invaded!

Meanwhile, at the darker end of the village Pete Wilson and Mark had a chat with some of the locals. Talk about a small world, Mike here was from just outside Goole, and his partner Riet is a concert promoter.

And after the refreshments, it was back to the hotel for a little 'Flugel' practice.

Please don't try this at home.

Before retiring for the evening, let's have one more look at that splendid view from our balcony.

Tour

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© 2009 RMU/EYMS Brass Band