Rainy day in Gouda

29 May 2022.

We're both feeling a bit under the weather today, physically and literally since it has been rainy off and on. It's just as well since most places are closed (being a Sunday). 

So, while lazing around our hotel room my mind has drifted to wondering more about the history of our hotel. 

photo c. January 1954

What I have been able to glean so far is the space indeed began as an orphanage (weeshuis) in the early 17th century. It was still functioning as an orphanage into the 20th century, but eventually it became the city library, which was then moved to a different location. The space was renovated as a hotel in the early 21st century.

My curiosity about the orphanage satisfied, and after resting for a while, we set out to get some fresh air. Leaving the hotel we scooted behind Sint-Janskerk and came across one of numerous painted sculptures scattered around the old town. All the same shape, appearing to be a woman in wooden shoes, each painted differently, our theory revolves around the idea that they're part of Gouda's 750th anniversary celebration.

We made our way back into the central market square, now empty of tents, vendors and the throngs of tourists seeking to get that one special item to take home to wear, eat or hang on the wall. Just the incredibly massive old city hall (the new one is now located near the train station).

old city hall

Continuing our stroll we made our way down a few new streets along unfamiliar canals appreciating the whimsy of the community. . . 

But also recognizing the touches of sadness embedded in the pavement as well. 

Just to the left of the sofa in the photo above and down the street a short ways is one of over 70,000 stolpersteine in some 24 countries, or "stumbling stones", dedicated to remembering Jews who perished during the Holocaust. They are placed in front of the former residence of the person (or persons). In this case Felix Wertheimer (1886-1943) who perished at the Sobibor concentration camp. 

To learn more about this incredible project of artist Gunter Demnig, read the Guardian article. 

Our very casual stroll took us down other byways we had not seen before . . . For those of you who may never go and those who were here long ago (D & D):

Behind the old city hall is the cheese museum which also houses the Tourist Information office on the ground floor.

Here's something we came across that we thought curious: short bit of a canal that was covered over and turned into a garden. In the distance you can just barely make out the canal and when you turn around. . .

. . . you can see the canal open again.

One of the handful of shops open was the Olala chocola shop, where they were holding a chocolate workshop. Naturally we picked up a bag to snack on later.

We also came across part of the larger canal system that rings the old city:

the Fluwelensingel canal section

Back home we caught our breath and rested for a bit before venturing out again, this time to the nearby Museum of Gouda Cafe for a light lunch of Gouda cheese soup. The soup was pretty "gouda" but the focaccia not so much. . . They also charged us for the water. But there was a baby shower underway inside (the venue is known for its various teas and event specials) so that was a bonus.

Back at the hotel we had a light snooze before dinner at Hendrick Bistrobar. Located just 3 minutes from our hotel and at the base of the Sint-Janskerk, we both had the same thing: chicken yakitori followed by a chicken noodle soup (Thai-style). The food was scrumptious, leading us to comment how truly amazing the food vibe is here in Gouda. 

Tomorrow it's off to Delft!