Gouda...not just a delicious cheese

Ah, how I remember all those Baby Belle cheeses in my elementary school lunches. It's not Gouda, but the red wax makes me connect the two.

the Town Hall

The Town Hall

During the summer of 1438, a devastating fire reduced the then town of Gouda virtually to ashes.

The town hall suffered heavy damage. The town council decided that the new town hall should be freestanding. It chose a new location on the market field, which was little more than a sodden peat bog at the time. The Gothic building was completed during the course of 1450. Feel free to visit the Town Hall with its magnificent wedding room, the mayor’s office and council chamber.

On the right facing wall you can see the carillon with mechanical puppets, which were added in 1961. The leading figure in the carillon is Floris V, who granted Gouda its town charter in 1272. Every two minutes of each half hour, the carillon will provide a lovely spectacle, as the puppets begin to move. 

the Cheese Museum

http://www.welkomingouda.nl/en

Sint-Janskerk

The first mention of Sint-Janskerk was found in documents from the year 1280. It was named after John the Baptist, the patron saint of Gouda.

Although originally a Roman Catholic Church, it is now run by the Protestant community of the town. With its 123 metres, it is the longest church in the Netherlands. The church is also world renowned for its Gouda glass. These stained-glass windows, particularly those from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, display scenes from the Bible and from Dutch history.

not my pictures

As usual, we got lost. I still contend, though, that the best moments in life often come from times we are off the usual path.

The wrong turn alley:

In Gouda, Holland, Vivian and I walked far off course and Asmae Boutas became our newest friend. She and her friend stopped to help us with our map, then Asmae walked us all the way back to our boat (a good 30 minute walk). Along the way, Vivian and I were astonished at our luck of meeting such a marvelous person.

Today has been one of our favorite days. Thank you, Asmae!

Asmae: I think your favorite color is pewter (say "computer" but leave off the first three letters)