Back in the Netherlands
We returned to Ewoud’s house where we would spend a few days sorting out our stuff and preparing the Bunyip for sale.
Day Trip to Dordrecht
10th June 2023
Saturday and the market will be opened in Dordrecht so we took a break from packing and sorting out stuff and along with my cousin Ewoud, his daughter Trudy and her daughter Jana we visited the market and explored Dordrecht.
Dordrecht is a special place, why?, because it is my birthplace. Although I left the Netherlands and moved to Australia when I was two years old, I do feel an affinity and a sense of belonging. There has also been a close connection with the family in the Netherlands and with our family who migrated to Australia in 1958. This trip will mark the 19th time that I have been back.
Our food tour of Dordrecht
Stroopwafels
A Sweet Delight: No visit to the Netherlands would be complete without indulging in the iconic stroopwafels. These delectable treats consist of two thin waffles sandwiched together with a luscious caramel syrup known as “stroop.” As we approach a stroopwafel stand at the market, the sweet aroma wafts through the air, instantly tempting our taste buds. The vendor prepares the stroopwafels fresh, ensuring the waffles are warm and the caramel syrup oozes out with each bite. As we take that first heavenly bite, the combination of crispy waffle, gooey caramel, and hints of cinnamon creates a taste sensation that is truly unforgettable.
Kibbeling
A Seafood Delicacy?: Next on our culinary adventure is kibbeling, a beloved Dutch street food made from bite-sized pieces of battered and deep-fried fish. The batter is crisp and a bit spicy and is always a taste sensation. As we walk along the market, we spot a traditional fish stall, and the tantalizing aroma of freshly fried fish draws us in. The vendor kindly serves us a portion of golden-brown kibbeling, accompanied by a tangy sauce. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, each morsel of fish bursts with flavor. The combination of the succulent fish and the zesty sauce makes kibbeling an irresistible treat for seafood enthusiasts and a must-try delicacy during your visit.
Poffertjes
A Fluffy Delight: To round off our culinary journey, we could not miss the opportunity to savor the fluffy delights of poffertjes. These mini pancakes are a Dutch specialty, typically served with a generous sprinkling of powdered sugar and a dollop of butter. At our usual place “Vissers” we all order a serving. I watch as the cook expertly pours the batter into small, shallow molds. As the poffertjes cook, the aroma of sizzling batter fills the air. Finally, a plate piled high with golden poffertjes arrives, enticing us to dive in. Each bite reveals a heavenly combination of light, airy texture and a hint of sweetness that melts in your mouth, leaving you craving for more.
Some of the other places we visited in Dordrecht
The doors of Dordrecht
Dordrecht, a historic city in the Netherlands, boasts a variety of doors that reflect its architectural diversity and cultural heritage. Here are descriptions of some of the many different doors you might encounter in Dordrecht:
Medieval Doors: Dordrecht features several well-preserved medieval buildings with doors that exhibit the charm of that era. These doors often have wooden frames and ornate ironwork, showcasing intricate patterns and decorative details.
Dutch Renaissance Doors: The Dutch Renaissance style is prominent in Dordrecht, and you can find doors that represent this architectural period. These doors are typically made of wood, with elaborate carvings and embellishments, including motifs like fruit, flowers, and geometric patterns.
17th-Century Doors: Dordrecht’s golden age coincided with the 17th century, and the city preserves buildings from that era. The doors from this period are often characterized by their grandeur, with tall and wide entrances, imposing wooden structures, and impressive door knockers or handles.
Canalside Doors: Dordrecht is crisscrossed with picturesque canals, and many houses along the water feature charming doors. These doors might have colorful facades, small windows, and sometimes even steps leading down to the water, providing a unique touch to the cityscape.
Art Nouveau Doors: As Dordrecht embraced the Art Nouveau movement, you can find doors influenced by this style. Art Nouveau doors often incorporate flowing lines, nature-inspired motifs, stained glass panels, and wrought ironwork, giving them an elegant and organic appearance.
Modern Doors: Alongside the historic doors, you’ll also encounter contemporary designs in Dordrecht. Modern doors might be made of glass, metal, or a combination of materials, featuring minimalist aesthetics and clean lines, reflecting the city’s evolving architectural landscape.
These descriptions provide a glimpse into the diverse range of doors you can find in Dordrecht. Each door contributes to the city’s unique atmosphere and tells a story about its rich past and present.
Happy Italy
You would have thought that after our eating tour of Dordrecht we would have been full, but we were invited to have dinner at Happy Italy, an Italian restaurant. There they served great pizza and pasta.
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Thanks for the memory. Martin took us there in 2016. We had the fish.
J+E
We have enjoyed your blogs this year as usual, lot of great memories of Ireland in particular.