The 'Oudenhofmolen', Oegstgeest

'Oudenhof' = 'Ow-dun-hof'
'Oegstgeest' = 'OOgst-gheyst'

The idea for today was to visit more bulb fields.  Horror of horrors, huge traffic jams on the way there as, logically, with such good weather, the area was three layers thick with tourists who had the exact same objective in mind -- tourist buses but also private cars and SUVs in all sizes.  I should have thought more sensibly.  It may be their only time in our little country, but I live here and I can always go another time.  In short, a detour was in order and I went hunting instead.  Spoilt for choice but not for time as I did not want to be stuck in more traffic on the way back.  I chose this little village as it was conveniently situated.

The Oudenhof windmill was constructed in 1819 and the work was so good that about 70% of it is original, including both the top part and the inner mechanisms.  It replaced a mill that was built in 1631 to drain and maintain the Oudenhof polder, which no longer exists -- the land was eventually totally drained and used to expand the village to its present size.  The mill is still in good working order, though, but now only has a decorative function.  It can't be of much use anyway because it's surrounded by trees and blocks of flats and so can't catch as much wind as a 'normal' mill would be expected to do.  Eternal question -- 'Why not just tear it down?!'  To which everyone would reply -- 'Why not just leave it where it is?'

Earlier in the day, AW and I picked up our new passports and then left the car in the parking garage and walked to the ancient centre so AW could buy some homeopathic leaves.  Later in the evening, I bought the airline tickets for our summer holiday.  So... flights confirmed, hotels confirmed, tours confirmed.  The hotels are not yet paid for but that will come.

Thankful for fabulous weather and for many things done!