Netherlands House sit

Hoofdorp House-sit

Hoofdorp is the main town of the Haarlenmermeer municipality in the province of North Holland, with a population of over 77,000. We had a short house sit of 3 days looking after 2 dogs in a one bedroom apartment. So another insight into how some people live. We are house sitting for a young South African couple who moved over here last year. 

We enjoyed walks along the canals. Took a half hour bus journey to Haarlem - once a major North sea trading post. We enjoyed walking around the Saturday market sampling a large Stroopwafel - two thin waffles stuck together with a layer of sweet syrup. 

We visited the Saint Bravo church in Haarlem, with its stunning wooden ceiling, gorgeous organ which in 1766 Mozart as a 10 year old played! A safe dating back to the 15th century - it contained the city rights of Haarlem and some cool ship models hanging which date from 16th century and are models of the ships built in Haarlem at the time.

Did our typical walk around and enjoyed seeing a 18th century windmill and Paul put on some clogs! And yes, it's getting quite cold now. We have all our clothes on, layered up to try to keep warm. We will be back in London in a couple of days where all our winter clothes have been left!

Was a good few days at another house sit.

One thing we have noticed here is the homes do not have net curtains and very few worry about people passing by looking in.

Mr Google says " The most popular explanation stems from the Protestant religious tradition of Calvinism, which insists that honest people have nothing to hide. Closing the curtains could indicate otherwise. And by letting people have a look inside, you let them know: Look, I'm a decent person!"