You can't go to Holland without taking the Poffertjes-test

What a test. A great challenge.

Sunday morning we were warned by Marjolein and Wim, that we had to
take a test that every Dutch have to take, sooner or later.
We were asked bring Helmets, Wooden Shoes and a Rescue Bag.
Holland is not known for high hills and deep canyons, so should we hang like the figures above?
And do something?

- Ok, we said, let's take the test

Of course we did not ask what kind of test it was.
We like surprises. Vikings do love surprises. At least some of them.

In the early afternoon we went from Huizen to Laren. Laren is one of the richest towns in the Netherlands. Formerly a farmer village, then painters and artists strolled to the Town, and now it's a region for wealthy people. People from all over the world come to shop in the high quality fashion and art shops. We were, as said, there on a Sunday. All shops were closed.
Our Euro's burned in our pockets and handbags.

After only a few minutes driving from Huizen via Blaricum (another story - later), we arrived at Laren. Lot's of Cars everywhere.

The Village Center was blocked with French Fences.
No Cars allowed. Lot's of people. I will rather say: Very crowded.

Hm, what is this?
Are people invited to watch Anna and Papa taking the test?
You never know what the Dutch can do?

Suddenly, when we passed a corner:

- Lot's of runners, young and old.
(I think they needed a car to return home after the running)

Was it a test-run?
A test-run with wooden-shoes?
If so, we could understand the need for a Helmet and Rescue Bag.

But, the runners did not wear ordinary running shoes, and no Helmets. Hmmm?

We followed the Runners, more than 1300, up the streets.

Then suddenly:

What is this? A Tivoli? An Amusement Park? Adventure Park?
What could the test be? We went high pulse closer. We had, after all, accepted to take the test.

Let's have a closer look. Wafelen Anno 1837 Poffertjes. What's this? A Test? Hmmm? Sceptical.

What are they doing? Seems to be a Hot Job;-)). Is that the test?

No, no and no again:
They are making the best Poffertjes in the whole of the Netherlands. Most probably in the whole World.

And what is this? A more than 100 year old oven for baking Wafers. Amazing.

The test was to eat several portions. One Portion is 10 pieces. Here with Ginger Jam.

Heavenly taste. We wanted more. And passed the Test. With two A's.
While the Runners had their tests and even the Samba Drummers performed their test very well, Papa went outside to take a Photo. You know, after the first 10 poffertjes, and some old, sweet brown beer, fresh air;-))

This Poffertjes Restaurant only serves poffertjes, in 4 different varations (Plain, with Rhum, Ginger or Grand Marnier) and 1 kind of Waffel.
And different kind of beverages.
In spite of the few choices, it's allways crowded at de Haan in Laren.

Wim and Papa had old, sweet, dark Beer, while the ladies had water.

Even people from California enjoys the famous poffertjes here.
In fact, Marjoleins Cousin and her daughter from the LA area. And a Viking Woman to the right;-) You also see Marjoleins sweet Auntie who hosted the 3x20 Celebratration the day before. (More to come about that wonderful event)

This restaurant, "com de haan" in Laren is only open from Spring to Fall.
They set it up and bring it down every year. The same since "House" in more than 50 years.


It's build around a real Tree, situated in the middle of the interior.

Even the Glass Paintings follow the Seasons. I think this must be Bacchus. Or what do you think?

What are Poffertjes' main ingrediens?

Here you see Buckwheat. That's what make a big difference for the taste and final result instead of using ordinary Wheat. But be aware that Buckwheat is a Nut, and closely related to Rhubarbe as well. Interesting.

You can read more about Poffertjes and this very famous establishment and the history of Poffertjes here.
Google translation (well, you at least got an Idea)

More to come from Holland and France and Switzerland and Norway and -----

Papa goes to Holland

The reason?

Marjolein's 3x20 celeb. Her with her Man: Wim.
Some of my dear readers my recall from September 2008?

Here you see some of their wonderful friends and family.
Two years ago I did write this post - You might see somebody you have seen here?

More to come from our fabulous weekend from Norway to Holland celebrating Master Marjolein.

Have a nice Sunday everybody

Fractions from Amsterdam - 2

Wordless Wednesday is here (also from Amsterdam)
Amsterdam - a Weekend in late, late September - #2
Yesterdays post was shorter than first planned. My regular readers know why: Too slow internet upload connection. So, here are more from a memorable weekend in A'dam. (4 hrs uploading)

Picture 1 - Marching for Tibet - Starting the March between van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum on Sunday - some thousand people with pink umbrellas walking for a Free Tibet.

Picture 2 - The Art Market this Sunday was entertained by a Harp player - singing old English sacral songs.

Picture 3 - Atlas in Amsterdam - some minutes away from Amsterdam Centraal - The Railway Station.

Picture 4 - Hi, where is my Camera? Is this sensorship?

Picture 5 - Chicken as served at A FUSION - heavenly

Picture 6 - What? A Cat behind me in this restaurant? Yeah - and he just was asleep all the time - Me, unshaved with Soya coloured teeths - haha - it was a great taste. And look - a flower out of my head.

Picture 7 - Channel sightseeing cruiseboats in Amsterdam

Picture 8 - Outside Centrum - we bought a tram coupon and went around Amsterdam - quick, easy and cheap - bought the coupon in a KIOSK

Picture 9 - Rijksmuseum - Amsterdam - Yes we did see it (Rembrandt - Nightwatch) - Saturday we gave up (van Gogh instead) - Museum weather - but Sunday: Sunshine and allmost Summer and direct entry - people everywhere outside.

Picture 10 - Cafe activites - we changed e-mail adresses - after some photos and something to drink

Picture 11 - Anne Claire and Anna - ready for cafe life in old Amsterdam

Picture 12 - Old cafe - very charming - but a steep stairway -watch your step

Picture 13 - Traditional vessel - suitable for channels and sea

Picture 14 - Oranjien - Can't be to Holland without bringing this colour - Orange. Picture taken Sunday 9-30-2007 in Amsterdam

That's it folks - the rest is kept within the Family. Hahaha.

Go crusing you too. Here. Or, do you miss the Cats. Don't worry.

More from Amsterdam - at ginnies blog:

Enjoy weekend
Learning by observing
My birthday gift to me

Do not miss the October fiest in Munich
PS. Font size dedicated Old Lady in the Hills and Haakon in Vence (may be you too..)