Traditional Dutch

Can't even tell I'm not a native ;)

On Sunday the three chicas went to Volendam to enjoy a little ocean air and learn a little about traditional dutch culture. Volendam is the model that famous authors and artists used to immortalize the image of Holland that most people in the world see when anything Dutch is discussed. The quaint little houses, windy streets, and of course, the colorful traditional Dutch costume!

Already lost...

I was the "tour guide"

Hanging out with Ootje (Grandmother)

Relaxing with some coffee after a chilly walk

Fresh herring with a side of chopped raw onions (Dutch delicacy)...Yuummmm

St. Vincentius Church

After walking through Volendam, we went into the Volendam Museum. The museum showcased the history of the traditional clothing and the everyday lives of the the local population with a seaside culture. However the coolest room by far was the cigar-bands house. in 1946, Mr. Nico Molenaar started collecting cigar-bands of all kinds and brands. He used the bands to create mosiacs depicting a variety of historical events and buildings. Here's an example below:

The Statue of Liberty constructed entirely of cigar bands like the ones below