Spijkenisse

Adrie collected me this morning and took me to the local markets. Everything within walking distance. They are situated between a 13th century church and a brand new library. Stunning juxtaposition.

Some extra entertainment at the markets today. Men's choirs from all over Holland performing sea shanties. Very entertaining and colourful.

Adrie introduced me to kibbeling. Fish cooking in a kind of crumb mixture. Very delicate and succulent with a tasty mild garlic flavoured dipping sauce. Finger licking yummy!!!

We went into the church and learned a little of it's history.

During the Second World War people were hidden behind the organ from the Nazi's and the huge bells were taken down, put on a boat in a canal and the boat was sunk. After the war the bells were retrieved and replaced in the tower. I especially liked the glass doors that have been added in the vestibule.

In the afternoon Brother Jack picked us up and took us out on a sight-seeing drive. I should have made notes. Can't remember the names now.

Anyway, we went to see the houses were all the important people were born. Like Eddie and Sky for instance. Then Jack took me to look at the incredible barrier arms that keep the storm waters out of the

canals. We drove along the top of a dyke. It had never occurred to me that these were spread around all over the country. I had always assumed that they were close to the sea. Don't know what I was thinking! What a simple, ingenious solution these structures are. All that muck that is dredged out of the harbours on the Queensland coast could be put to similar use to keep floodwaters out of built up areas in rural Queensland. Kill two birds with one stone.

Pics below. The pyramid shaped building is the new library. Notice the 'crooked' shaped house bottom left and an old primary school that is being converted into residential living for seniors.

The four pics bottom right are where Adrie and Ari live. Note the bicycle lock-up in the building where everyone keeps their transportation. Simba loves going for a ride in his basket.

Holding back the water. This area of Holland is 2 meters below sea level. Huge barrier arms have been built that operate on a ball and socket system. It is part of the Delta Works and is one of largest moving structures on Earth and yet they are so unobtrusive in the landscape.

The Maeslantkering was opened in 1997 and is a storm surge barrier on the imaginary dividing line between the Nieuwe Waterweg waterway located at Hoek van Holland and the river the Scheur located along the cities of Maassluis and Vlaardingen up to the confluence of the rivers Oude Maas and Nieuwe Maas, which automatically closes when needed.

Spot my new best friend. Ruby, you would just love Simba to bits.