Once we landed in Marken, we found that the waterfront was lined with soveniour shops just like how it was in Volendam.
There was a particular shop or rather a house along with the shops which displayed how a traditional house was in the good old days. It was interesting to observe each and every item that was displayed there. A young lady dressed in the traditional costume was present, ready to show you around and answer any questions. Did click a picture with her, but I look kind of very stiff in the picture, so am not posting it.
Once you move a little away from these shops and the waterfront, you come to some lovely houses and streets. It’s so quiet and peaceful and what strikes you most is the way these houses are maintained.
The island is surrounded by a dyke and a walk around the dyke is 10 kilometers. There is a lovely lighthouse and there are some stories about the room next to the lighthouse being put up for rent.
Some pics around the dyke. . . . . . . . .
A little towards the interior there is a place where you get to see how a clog is made. They actually demonstrate the making of the shoe, right from the selection of the wood, processing, and carving it. You can actually see it in the attached video below. The wood used was supposed to be light in weight, soft and something that absorbs water.
First the outside is machined using the cutter and follower method .... . . . . .
then transferring to another machine to carve out the inner profile.
The young lady who was demonstrating was very articulate and explained that in the olden days if a boy had to get married he had to first prove his skill and ability in carving out a good clog and that too in the days when machines were not there.
She did narrate interesting stories about the robbers who used to have special shoes with the soles carved the other way round so that when one tried to follow the footprints they would be mislead about the direction of the escape route.
On the whole it was a wonderful experience and I would recommend this place to all those who visit Amsterdam (and make sure you spend the whole day on the island)
