Different Slants

Mary and I have been living in a marina just outside of Stavoren for about ten days.  Stavoren is a village in an area of northern Netherlands called Friesland, that was once a very wealthy town.  Its wealth was based on shipping and fishing.  It began its decline in the 12th century when a sand bar blocked the mouth of the harbor.  This event led to the origination, in the 16th century, of the tale “The Lady of Stavoren”.

When I travel to a new place, the first things I notice are the contrasts to the US and other places I have lived or visited.  Differences are accentuated this time because I have moved from a house to a sailboat.  Here is a recent picture of the constantly changing view from my “back porch” (the cockpit of my boat).

view from my back porch

By the way, we seem to be the only American boat around.  Almost all the others are either Dutch or German.

Life in Friesland seems a little more relaxed than in the US.  That may just be because I am more relaxed now but, I see less traffic, more bicycles and a general lack of angst.

The nearby town of Enkhuizen

Houses look different of course.  These houses in Stavoren were built around 1902 and reflect the local climate and available materials of the time.

houses in Stavoren, NL

Not everyone here lives in a house.

live-aboard barge in Stavoren

In a land that is mostly below sea-level, living on a boat might offer some peace of mind.

One day, while we were walking through town, about one hundred farm tractors came through.  I thought we were being invaded by Hell’s Farmers but they were on an 11 city tour.

Hell's Farmers

There are a lot of 11 city tours here – the most famous being the ice skating race Elfstedentocht.

The most obvious contrast for me is that this is a land of boats and boaters.  Netherlands has been a seafaring nation throughout history.  They once had a great empire as far flung as England’s.  I suppose they still have it – but today it is based on trade rather than military might.

The sheer number of boats here is staggering.  I have been to south Florida and I have been to south England.  They each have a lot of boats.  But they do not compare to Friesland.

island park in Stavoren, NL

The town of Stavoren has one grocery store, three yacht chandleries and four marinas.  At times, there is more traffic on the canals than on the roads.

I think we will be here another week or two.  Our “stuff” is on a ship due in Rotterdam tomorrow.  After we collect it and figure out how to stow it all we will begin our explorations.

You can read more nautically oriented reports of our travels on the “Red Sky at Night” blog and see more photos on Flikr.