Trip to Marken Island (part-I)

Let us make that trip to Marken island (through Volendam) once again. (the last time we had a peek at it for that fun drive on the tandem cycle)

The bus ride from Amsterdam to Volendam is interesting and as you get closer to Volendam, its less crowded and the streets look peaceful.

 You can see the local residents having their leisurely walk with their pet dogs.

The windmills and farms that you see along the way indicates that we are out of the city. 

The bus drops you off at the last stop and you have to walk it up to the water front.

The youngsters are having a race on their roller blades.

Vehicles are not allowed beyond a point and this seems to be the car park, and you can see the trademark rooftops of the houses in Volendam.

I think we are close to the ferry. Tourists are having their fill, with their cameras working overtime.

As you walk down further you get a glimpse of the sea.

You take in that lovely view of the sea and the shops that are lined up on one side. It is crammed with cafes and souvenir shops.

While the family was busy feeding the sparrows, the young girl went on clicking. I found that the sparrows were choosy about what they ate.

You can buy snacks from a “Vishandel” (fish monger) near the harbour and enjoy it as you roam around the waterfront.

A typical fish and chips shop. I like the design of those hanging lamps. Wonder why those two lamps outside did not have the protective cage. Sorry but simple things like these always get my attention.

More eating places and notice those old photographs displayed above the shop? Maybe a small reminder of the fishing days and the shop.

Some more tourists. Some waiting for the ferry to take them across, while others wait for their spouse to finish their shopping. The one on the far left is not waiting for anyone.

In fact he has been sitting there for a long time. So I thought I would keep him company and get myself clicked with him.

Volendam is a fishing village and statues celebrating that industry and the people who worked there can be seen along the waterfront. Notice his boots which are clogs. (we will talk about clogs in the second part)

The bronze statue of children.

And the one of the lady with whom many have posed . . . . . . . 

And at times stared at too . . . . . 

Many notable personalities has visited and stayed in the Spaander Hotel in Volendam like Eleanor Roosevelt (1913) Walt Disney (1952) Kirk Douglas (1955) Elisabeth Taylor (1975)

The ferry takes you from Volendam to Marken Island. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes to get across.

Navigation is done skilfully and the captain is equipped with all the latest gadgets including a screen on the side showing what the camera captures from the sides and rear of his big boat.

Many preferred to sit on the upper deck braving the icy wind (you can see the overcast sky, but thankfully it did not rain)

I did notice that the lifejacket box was placed in a visible place and that it was not locked.

At the lower deck there was enough place to keep your cycles, in case you want to carry them along.

That’s the soda fountain at the lower deck and all your food came from here (in case you want to munch on something) Notice that bell on the port side? In case all electronic alarm system fails, just ring the bell.

Got friendly with the captain and managed to go right in his cabin to click this. That is one of the ferries returning from Marken I suppose.

So here we come Marken . . . . . .  just keep the welcome party ready (to be continued in part-II)