After an enjoyable breakfast of fresh orange juice, tea/coffee toast, cheese, ham, boiled egg, jams etc we decided to take off for Saans to see the wind mills.  Well they say you can’t stop progress and even historical buildings don’t stand still here in Holland.  Since the last time I was here they have built three new windmills – but not new in the true sense.  With the help of plans drawn up over a century ago they have replicated mills that had been demolished when wind power became obsolete after the invention of electricity.  Now a new generation is learning the ancient craft of windmill construction and the skills required to carve the timber entirely by hand.

These new mills, which look like they are a few hundred years old are built by a not for profit foundation who then lease them out to businesses who work them. For example the timber cutting mill makes bespoke logs which they sell all over the world, particularly to renovators who need to match existing timbers.  The mill can cut to any size you want. They are not controlled by standardisation.  What they lack in speed they make up for in service.

So after this cultural expedition we just had to head to Liedseplein to soak up some beer and wine culture.  The atmosphere is great and just the right place to wind down.  Back to our hotel for an early night because as we are going to the Reijcksmuseum tomorrow!