Friday 21 December 2007

Visit Openair Museum


Winters of yesteryear'

In our day we used to have real winters'. Your grandparents could spend many an hour talking about it. The wind was piercing cold and there were thick coverings of snow, food was scarce and the nights pitch black, but we did also get time off school to go ice skating! Streetlamps light up the darkness and in no time at all you can make your house nice and warm. Vests and hot water bottles have been consigned to the attic, or are now objects to admire at the Open Air Museum. At the Open Air Museum the winters of the past are being brought back to life. Fun on the ice!It wouldn’t be winter without enjoying some fun on the ice and we will therefore be transforming the large entrance square into a festively lit ice rink. Young and old alike can enjoy skating, and refreshments will be available in the convivial atmosphere around the ice. The ups and downs of winterIt’s nice and cosy beside the fire; the farmer's wife tells stories as her spinning wheel turns. In the side room the sound of a loom can be heard. Life is not easy. Supplies are dwindling and there is a sharp frost on the way. You must have a taste!In a 19th century half-timbered barn from Limburg the farmer is stirring the contents of a large copper pot. He is making syrup from the plentiful harvest of apples and pears - and naturally he will let you have a taste! As of this winter, the authentic brewery from Ulvenhout will also once again be fully operational. No less a person than the Dutch champion himself will be brewing the beer in a contemporary way and will talk passionately about his wonderful old craft! All kinds of things to doEvery weekend, on Wednesday afternoons and during the Christmas holidays fun activities are being held, and you can enjoy music and song in the cosy Zeeland church. There will be plenty to see and experience on the Zaan Square and children will have the chance to bake bread rolls at the children’s activity farmyard. The animals in the barn will also be very pleased to see visitors.