The ultimate trademark of Holland - the girl with the cap from Volendam. Attracted to anything that has to do with national costumes her painting at Art Hotel Spaander was the first one my eyes caught. Is she not gorgeous?!
It was a busy day at Volendam, full with tourists from all over the world, cars and touring cars from all over Europe and way beyond. We parked quite a way out, had a nice stroll along the water front, listening to the movement of the water of the Markermeer touching the shores and hoping the grey skies would not surprise us with too much rain. The weather gods were gentle with us, only a few drops but the wind blowing through our hair. We built up quite an appetite by the time we arrived at the Hotel. Usually I peer around what interesting things other people are eating and then go back to the menu card. I noticed coffee cups on the table behind me with an intriguing design from a distance, a timid little girl. Surprise, surprise, when the bread plate arrived the girl with the bonnet was looking at me.
She appeared on tea cups also.
The table in the restaurant was set with small plates with the girl I had seen on the coffee cups earlier. It was only later I discovered her painting in the café where we had lunch.
The art collection is tremendous, you do not know where to start looking. There is a whole book on this, very famous artists have contributed to the collection.
Have a look at the guestbook of the Hotel.
The text on the wooden fish, dangling above a table in the café, made me laugh: 'Stammtisch, for fishermen and other big liars only'.
It is nice to see that despite the immense touristic value of the place (screaming souvenir shops) there are so many authentic things and so much heritage to be seen.
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| The map (1951)shows the old situation, when the Flevopolder had not yet been developed |
Goodbye, Hotel Spaander, we will be back soon and will make it a full weekend - to study the art once more, to enjoy the hotel, to hear the sea and have some lovely Volendam fish!
Well, did you ever, Statesyacht 'de Utrecht' in the harbour - must do a sailing tour again on her.
A wonderful place for a stroll along the waterfront Jacoba... your post captured it beautifully.
ReplyDeleteAl weer heel lang geleden dat ik Volendam bezocht. Hotel Spaander is de moeite van een bezoek waard zo te zien, wat een leuke schilderijtjes. Dat ga ik onthouden.
ReplyDeleteGroet,
Janneke
It looks like the Hotel Spaander was a wonderful place. Good location, walking along the waterfront and getting to the hotel to see all the wonderful art. I love the girls in their native dress and on the china. Fun!
ReplyDelete