PANDA Odyssey Week 31: 150km
Some Cumulated Ideas
It took me 2 days to finalise all the report about POW30, and it also took almost 5 days to restructure the email with introductory contents to Baijiu. Baijiu is very sophisticated and it is really hard to make it short. I know it is my problem of using a few sentences to get the potential clients to be interested. Anyway, after I finish all the back stage work, I could start my cycling this week.
This week, the route planning starts with looking into towns and villages that I used not to think worthwhile to go, however, there is much surprise. The biggest impression I've got from POW31 is that the aesthetic development level of the Dutch population is relatively more balanced compared to that of the Chinese population: there is less variation in aesthetic ability regardless of the size of cities and towns. Of course, influenced by other factors, there might be some differences in the degree of openness and conservatism. I believe that baijiu might be more accepted in large cities, but even in Dutch villages, where locals have not heard of baijiu, if it is introduced to them following the rules of baijiu tasting, a considerable number still maintain an open and accepting attitude towards its flavor. I have tried offering “foreign” liquors like whiskey and vodka to farmers in rural areas in my country, and the feedback was extremely negative, with expressions of disdain and disgust. A similar situation occurs in the Netherlands, but the typical response there is: “This is not my type of drink.” This expression is very scientific and precise, and it also contains a respect for the unknown or an awareness of one’s own limitations. First, I don’t like it; second, but this is my feeling, it doesn’t represent everyone.
Remember once I visited a liquor store called VinABC in a town called Houten near Utrecht. I might have been there at the wrong time, so I didn't have a chance to talk to the owner, while he was busy sorting out the newly arrived pallets of bottles. I asked for a name card and then sent him an email. Of course I knew there wouldn't be a reply at all, because the only way of communication is to talk face to face. Email is good to keep some important evidence as invoices, but not business conversation. I went to check the website of VinABC, and the owner put some very interesting words on the page of About Us:
Wat een wijnschrijver goed vindt, hoeft u tenslotte niet goed te vinden en andersom.
After all, what a wine writer likes might not suit you, and vice versa.
This is a very important attitude towards aesthetics. It involves trying to understand the beauty discovered by others, while also acknowledging one’s own feelings and perspectives. It's challenging to reconcile these, but it is a crucial aspect of aesthetics.
D1 Den Bosch - Vlijmen - Drunen - Waalwijk - Waspik - Geertruidenberg - Oosterhout - Breda
Den Bosch (’s-Hertogenbosch) 🐼
Known for its medieval architecture and canal systems, Den Bosch is more than just the capital of North Brabant. It houses the whimsical Hieronymus Bosch Art Center, dedicated to the fantastical medieval painter Hieronymus Bosch. A little-known fact is that the city’s underground canals can be explored by boat, offering a unique perspective of its centuries-old fortifications.
I've been to Den Bosch for a few times, and actually the 2nd liquor store in the Netherlands working with PANDA is from Den Bosch. So I took train with my bicycle to Den Bosch, and then started my exploration.
If you are in Den Bosch, you can find our bottles at: Queen of the Bossche Bubbles City Liquor Store
Vlijmen
Just a stone’s throw from Den Bosch, Vlijmen might seem like your typical Dutch town, but it harbors a quirky slice of history. It is close to the site of the former Engelen Lake, a once-popular but now lost spa destination of the 19th century, known for its purported healing waters.
Drunen
Nestled on the edge of the National Park Loonse en Drunense Duinen, Drunen offers access to one of the largest sand dune areas in Europe. The town itself holds a unique piece of history as it was rebuilt after significant WWII destruction, now hosting a mix of modern and rebuilt traditional structures.
Waalwijk
This town is famously tied to the leather and shoe industry, with the Dutch Leather and Shoe Museum as a testament to its crafty legacy. Less known is Waalwijk’s annual “De 80 van de Langstraat,” a massive 80 km walking event that draws thousands and highlights the region’s communal spirit.
Waspik 🐼
Waspik, a small village in North Brabant, is not just another dot on the map. It’s home to one of the oldest churches in the region, the Sint Bavokerk, parts of which date back to the 14th century. The village is also known for its vibrant carnival culture, rivaling the more famous ones across the Netherlands.
Geertruidenberg
Geertruidenberg, often mistaken as a part of North Brabant, actually belongs to South Holland and boasts a title as one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. Its fortifications and the old market square offer a peek into its storied past, which includes being the first town in the Netherlands to receive city rights.
Oosterhout
While modern and bustling, Oosterhout preserves a peculiar piece of history in the form of slotjes - small castles or stately homes that dot its landscape, remnants of its affluent past. The town is also a hub for the production of the traditional Dutch sweet, nougat, known locally as ‘noga’.
Breda
Breda is a city of rich histories, such as the fact it was a seat of the Nassau family, ancestors to the current Dutch royal family. Its streets blend impressive historical sites like the Great Church and Breda Castle with modern culture. An intriguing fact is that during WWII, Breda was liberated by Polish forces, and the city still celebrates this with a Polish festival every year.
I arrived at Breda around 18:20, and I asked around before my arrival about where to have my cocktail today. There were 3 answers:
1. Google Map recommended: The Boathouse Breda
2. Bas, a member from the Netherlands Bartender Association, recommended: Big Belly Bar&Restaurant
3. Michael, my classmate from Nyenrode Business Universiteit who lives in Breda, recommended: Whisky & Gin Breda
It is funny, 3 different sources, 3 different recommendations. I conclude 3 different battles:
1. The competition of capability of digital marketing.
2. The advice from the professionals.
3. The feedback from the customers experience.
I have to say, all 3 of these recommendations have its bias. As long as the names popped up, I have to go check out. However, in the end, due to time limit, I only visited The Baothouse Breda and Big Belly Bar&Restaurant. Then I would love to go back to Breda again when Michael returns from his holiday in a couple of weeks.
In Breda, I am lucky enough to have 2 beautiful cocktails created, and there will be the 3rd one soon.
PANDA Baijiu Cocktail 13: Breda Oasis
Hans Ngo Wurfbain
PANDA Baijiu Cocktail 14: Pink Pride
Hans Ngo Wurfbain
D2 Hoorn - Volendam - Purmerend - Zaandam - Haarlem (Friday)
Hoorn ｜ 和恩 🐼
Hoorn是一個歷史非常悠久的港口城市，曾經是荷蘭東印度公司VOC的主要港口之一。Hoorn是角的意思，這個城市的市徽也是一只獨角獸。這麼一個城市肯定也是少不了讓人記憶深刻的故事。今天我們要按照時間順序簡單的聊到和Hoorn有關的3個人。Hoorn is a port city with a very long history and was once one of the main ports of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). Hoorn means “horn,” and the city’s coat of arms features a unicorn. Such a city is certainly not without its memorable stories. Today, we will briefly talk about three individuals related to Hoorn in chronological order.
第一個人，出生於荷蘭Hoorn的航海家、探險家Willem Corneilsz Schouten。他的主要成就就是穿過了南美大陸與火地島之間的狹窄水道，並且將南美洲智利火地群島最南端的陸地命名為Kaap Hoorn（合恩角）。合恩角是世界上五大海角之一，另外四個是好望角（位於非洲最南端）、露紋角（澳大利亞西南）、塔斯馬尼亞東南角（澳大利亞東南）、斯蒂沃爾特西南角（新西蘭最南端）。The first person is Willem Corneliszoon Schouten, a sailor and explorer born in Hoorn, Netherlands. His main achievement was navigating through the narrow strait between the South American continent and Tierra del Fuego, and he named the southernmost tip of South America’s Chilean Tierra del Fuego archipelago as Cape Hoorn (Cape Horn). Cape Horn is one of the world’s five great capes, along with the Cape of Good Hope (located at the southern tip of Africa), Cape Leeuwin (southwest Australia), the southeastern corner of Tasmania (southeast Australia), and the southwestern corner of Stewart Island (southernmost New Zealand).
第二個人，也是出生於Hoorn的Jan Pieterszoon Coen，他是荷蘭東印度公司海外拓展的重要人物之一。他是商人、會計師、總督。Jan是一個非常複雜的歷史人物。他對於荷蘭17世紀的崛起起到了重要作用，但是，他也在荷蘭在今天東南亞的殖民地採取了各種極端殘暴的治理。所幸，荷蘭人對這些歷史又著廣泛的討論與反思。聊到反思，推薦大家近期到烏特勒支的Museum Catharijneconventc參觀關於“Christendom & Slavernij（基督教與奴隸制）”的特展（June 29 - September 22， 2024）。The second person is Jan Pieterszoon Coen, also born in Hoorn. He was one of the key figures in the Dutch East India Company’s overseas expansion. Jan was a merchant, accountant, and governor. He is a highly complex historical figure who played a significant role in the rise of the Netherlands in the 17th century. However, he also implemented extremely brutal governance in the Dutch colonies in what is now Southeast Asia. Fortunately, the Dutch engage in extensive discussion and reflection on this history. Speaking of reflection, I recommend visiting the special exhibition “Christendom & Slavernij (Christianity & Slavery)” at the Museum Catharijneconvent in Utrecht, running from June 29 to September 22, 2024.
第三個人，也就是在港口有一個半身雕像的這位，Willem IJsbrantsz Bontekoe。他1618年加入到VOC成為一名海員，並在1619年（第一次航海的過程中）遭遇了海難。他的航海日誌《Bontekoe’s Memorable Description of the East Indian Voyage》成為了他聞名於世的重要支點。他被評價為超級爛的作家，但是他的紀錄真實還原了如何生還的各種細節。The third person, who has a bust statue at the port, is Willem IJsbrantsz Bontekoe. He joined the VOC in 1618 as a sailor and encountered a shipwreck during his first voyage in 1619. His maritime journal, “Bontekoe’s Memorable Description of the East Indian Voyage,” became his claim to fame. Although he is often regarded as a very poor writer, his records vividly and accurately depict the various details of survival after the shipwreck.
Hoorn還有一個非常有意思的博物館，叫做Museum of the 20th Century。在這個博物館裡面，20世紀的各種生活用品、家電等按照時間順序從1900年開始，一直陳列到2000年。強烈推薦。Hoorn also boasts a very interesting museum called the Museum of the 20th Century. This museum displays various household items and appliances from the 20th century, arranged chronologically from 1900 to 2000. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of daily life over the century. Highly recommended!
Volendam ｜福倫丹
Volendam是一個傳統的漁村，目前是一個旅遊經濟旺盛的地方。這裡的遊客絡繹不絕。在這裡，可以乘坐郵輪去附近的島嶼，也可以穿著傳統服飾拍照，還可以吃到傳統的美食。遊覽這個地方大概需要3-5小時。Volendam is a traditional fishing village that has become a bustling tourist destination. Visitors flock here to enjoy its unique charm. You can take a boat cruise to nearby islands, dress up in traditional costumes for photos, and savor traditional foods. Exploring this quaint village typically takes around 3-5 hours.
Volendam作為一個重要的旅遊區，它的廣場也會經常舉辦各類文化活動。如果你有規劃要去Volendam，看看Volendam的網站，也許會有意想不到的收穫。As a major tourist destination, Volendam frequently hosts various cultural events in its main square. If you plan to visit Volendam, be sure to check the Volendam website for potential surprises and event information.
Purmerend
Purmerend最早在12世紀末就是一個市場定居點，讓我想起了成都的牛市口（成都的Koemarkt），因為Purmerend就是賣牛的地方。這個城市的最古老區域現在依然叫Koemarkt（牛市口）。全世界都是一樣的⋯⋯這讓我想起來在Zutphen還有一個Groenmarkt，相當於是菜市口（賣菜的市場）。Purmerend dates back to the late 12th century as a market settlement, reminiscent of Chengdu’s Niushikou (Cattle Market), because Purmerend was originally a place for selling cattle. The oldest area of the city is still called Koemarkt (Cattle Market). It’s fascinating how similar these market traditions are worldwide. This also brings to mind Zutphen’s Groenmarkt, which is equivalent to a vegetable market.
Zaandam
Zaandam就是著名的風車村了，這是來荷蘭旅遊的打卡地。到這裡看風車的意義在於非常集中，而且可以和其它地方的景點連成一片。當然，我並不建議單單來看一眼就走，因為在荷蘭，每個城市都有風車。風車的用途有兩個：1. 抽水站；2. 磨面粉。後來還有一個發明家Cornelis Corneliszoon van Uitgeest讓風車的轉動帶動鋸片成為了木材加工廠。Zaandam is famous for its windmill village, a must-see destination for tourists visiting the Netherlands. The significance of visiting this area lies in the high concentration of windmills, and it can be combined with other nearby attractions for a comprehensive experience. However, I don't recommend just stopping by for a quick look, as every city in the Netherlands has windmills. Windmills serve two primary purposes: 1) as pumping stations, and 2) for milling flour. Additionally, the inventor Cornelis Corneliszoon van Uitgeest further advanced windmill technology by enabling their rotation to drive saw blades, turning them into sawmills for processing wood.
Haarlem 🐼
紐約有一個Harlem，就是用這個Haarlem來命名的。而紐約曾經叫做New Amsterdam，後來荷蘭人用New Amsterdam和英國人換了南美洲的另一塊地，也就是今天的蘇利南。英國人拿到了New Amsterdam立馬更名為New York（新約克郡）。西方歷史是非常有趣的，如果你要去挖，就可以挖出很多趣聞。New York has a Harlem, which was named after this Haarlem. New York was once called New Amsterdam. Later, the Dutch exchanged New Amsterdam with the British for another piece of land in South America, which is now Suriname. The British immediately renamed New Amsterdam to New York (after the York, a town to the northeast of Leeds.). Western history is fascinating; if you dig into it, you can uncover many interesting stories.
Haarlem是荷蘭最古老的城市之一，是荷蘭獨立戰爭中重要的據點。著名畫家Frans Hals的很多作品都收藏在這裡的Frans Hals Museum。另外一個自然歷史與藝術相關的博物館也很有意思，叫做Teylers Museum。Haarlem is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and was an important stronghold during the Dutch War of Independence. Many works by the famous painter Frans Hals are housed in the Frans Hals Museum here. Another fascinating museum related to natural history and art is the Teylers Museum.