A boat, a tiny Dutch village near Amsterdam and a picnic
There are few outings in the Netherlands more delightful than puttering along canals on a sunshiny day with dear friends and a full picnic basket.
Although I love meandering through the canals of Amsterdam, my favorite thing to do for a day out is a canal boat ride around the Dutch village, Broek in Waterland, located only ten minutes by car outside the city.
There you can rent a Canadian canoe or two styles of near silent electric boats known as whisper boats. The friendly staff supply cozy blankets, life jackets, a map of the marshes, and the instructions necessary to navigate the craft you choose.
My brother was our captain on the sunny day we boarded with a whole slew of dear friends and their guests. We found our seats, snuggling in close under our blankets to keep warm in the chilly breeze, and off we went.
The first leg of the journey meanders through an exquisite little village, taking you past lush gardens, quaint homes, and lovely old boats.
The second part begins when you emerge from the town into the vast open spaces of the marsh and farmland.
My first trip was on a blustery Dutch day with driving rain, so I barely noticed the countryside from where I huddled under two blankets. But my second trip revealed a verdant landscape and brilliant blue sky; the perfect backdrop for charming windmills and unexpected bridges, lolling cows and thatched farmhouses.
As we puttered along, we indulged in a marvelous picnic, a hodgepodge of goodies pooled together. We munched on carrots and sweet cherry tomatoes, devoured bags of salty snacks and trays of chocolate-topped cookies, all washed down with bottles of cold beer and plastic cups filled with rose or red wine.
We called out greetings to the grazing cattle, laughed when startled birds shot up out of the grasses, and sighed contentedly at the beauty around us.
The gentle motion of the whisper boat lulled us into peaceful reverie as we motored home, and we slept very well that night after a day of fresh air and sunshine.
Recipe for Dutch Open-Faced Sandwich
Ingredients:
Thickly sliced fresh brown bread
honey
balsamic vinegar
soft goat cheese
spinach
sun-dried tomatoes
walnuts
honey-mustard
Directions:
Lightly toast bread and drizzle with balsamic vinegar and honey.
Spread with soft goat cheese and top with baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and walnuts.
Drizzle with honey-mustard. Either serve immediately or for a picnic, tightly pack the ingredients separately to assemble on location.
What is your ideal day out?
All photos by and property of the author
About Krista Bjorn
Love this, Krista. You know about our shared affections for The Netherlands… and this truly captures the beauty of the Dutch spring. (although I heard it is VERY cold there right now)
My kind of day! I would love to have a picnic on the water. Those flowers are gorgeous.
Just lovely, Krista! Great picnic recipe – perfect for a summer’s day on the river!
Gorgeous photos!
Will try the receipe when the weather warms up.
This post really overwhelmed my senses! Loved the sandwich and the flowers over the water.
Thank you, Margo!! I love the Netherlands any time of year, but this was such a gorgeous day.
It felt like the very best of the country all in one afternoon. 
Thank you, Abby!
It was SUCH a fun picnic, sitting with dear friends, the sun on our faces, watching the Dutch countryside go by. 
Isn’t it yummy, Katie? The Dutch make the most divine sandwiches.
Thank you, Judith! I hope you love the sandwich – I’ve been dreaming about it ever since that first encounter.
Aren’t those flowers divine, Europe Tips?
I was in awe. 
Though I have never been to Holland, I feel as though I have. All of the blood coursing through my veins is 100% Dutch. Sometimes I imagine my Grandparents never left Holland and my parents met there and I grew up as a little Dutch girl. Beautiful. It is my dream to go there one day and visit with my many relatives still living there. I LOVE the hydrangea photo. Dreamy!
I love that dream, Christy!
I feel the same way about my Danish past. It’s so vivid yet so foreign at the same time. I hope you get to explore your beloved Holland one day soon. 
Ohhh… it all looks SO pretty Krista! There’s nothing I would love more than a lazy day on a Dutch canal finished off with a delicious picnic – I think your photos (& descriptions) have us all dreaming of an escape to Holland!
Isn’t it wonderful, Tuula? I’m so glad you like the pictures.
I think this is my favorite experience in all my adventures in the Netherlands. 
What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! It’s always good to get out of the city, and this sounds like an easy but incredibly enjoyable way to do so. Reading this makes me really look forward to spring!
I’m so glad, Kate! I’m longing for spring too! I loved this trip so much because it was so unexpectedly close to the city yet made you feel like you were miles away in a country wonderland.
I can’t wait to try this recipe! Lovely photos – as always
I think you will LOVE it, Cailin!
I know how much you adore good food. 
Enjoyed the travels with you and now I am hungry for that plate you showed us!!!!