The Travel Peoples

  Because Zaanse Schans , one of the iconic spots in the Netherlands , is going to charge an entrance fee beginning this year (2026), we decided to give a sneak preview of some of the areas that are within the open-air museum. We went there in 2025 twice --- one in February, and one in December. The place is not just about the old windmills that are still running today; it is also where cheese and chocolate factories and stores are.  One of the attractions in Zaanse Schans is this chocolate house called Blik op Cacao . It features the quaint town as a cocoa producer , with factories in the area that process world-famous Dutch chocolates . Visit Zaanse Schans and tell us what you think. 

  The Rembrandt Square in Amsterdam gleams at night. Christmas shopping at the outlets in Bataviastad, Lelystad. It may be quieter and more festive than in the Philippines. "Solemn" is the word to describe Christmas Eve here. I wonder if it's the rainy and windy weather. The snow lasted only for two days in early December. But it has been quiet and chill, literally and figuratively. It may also be the culture in my neck of the woods. I live in a suburb.  Although I liked the days preceding Christmas Eve. People were jolly and in high spirits. Even the bus and train employees at the Centraal Station sang carols to the delight of the passengers and passersby.  Christmas markets were a feast to the eyes, too. I uploaded a video on my  travel channel  for more visuals and market information.   I'm still trying to get used to this Christmas set-up. But honestly, I like Christmas in Asia or in the US. It's because of the lengthy period we celebrate it there....