Schiedam - Home of Jenever

...which I'm ashamed to say I haven't tried yet, but if the smell is anything to go by it will be divine, judging only from the lovely wafts coming from the Jenever (Dutch gin) museum on the Lange Haven.

I couldn't come to the city of Schiedam, home of the tallest windmills in The Netherlands and not blip a photo of one, so here you are. This particular one is De Noord (The North) now home to a restaurant which I have yet to visit.

Now only 5 of the original 20 giants are still standing but they are quite a sight to behold, the history of this great city and production of Jenever dating back to 1847 can be enjoyed within De Nieuwe Palmboom windmill, a museum well worthy of the tiny 3.50 admission fee. As the sails were not turning today I was able to climb the 8 floors all the way to the top, enjoying the magnificent views over the rooftops from the 5th floor, although typically it decided to cloud over once I'd entered the building. Unfortunately the original Palmboom windmill burnt down in 1901 but the fully working replica was built on the same spot in 1993.

There's more than initially meets the eye with Schiedam, beautiful old architecture to be enjoyed along the waterways, particularly the Lange Haven (long harbour), only 5 minutes train journey from Rotterdam Centraal station, and in stark contrast to the modern, ugly architecture of Rotterdam, it's definitely worth a visit.

Classic 'Typically Dutch' image, would make a great framed print!