We took a three hour train ride from Groningen. Before we boarded the train, Elizabeth sat right down at the piano in the Groningen train station to tickle the ivories with her song she has ben working on for her recital. The kids were super excited because we took a double decker train to Delft.:)
And, someone lost a tooth as soon as we got there!:) Those molars are really coming out to make room for the 12 year molars!
The next morning, we got up and walked around Delft...
Picture of Elizabeth by one of the many canals.:) |
It is a bit hard to tell in the pictures, but it really is leaning. and in case you are wondering, no...we did not climb to the top of that tower.:)
Tried to get a pic of the leaning church in the background, but we were facing the sun on a rare day which it decided to poke its head out!:) |
Then, we were off to the Royal Delft Museum and Koninklijken Porceleyne Fles. This is the last remaining factory in Holland which produces the famous blue china. There were many factories in Holland in the 17th century, but the one in Delft is the only one which remains today.
We started with lunch in the tea room...
Then, the tour began...
All of the Delft Hand painted china is signed with the insignia below...
Queen Beatirix...Yes, that is a dress made of china!:) |
Each piece is made from a mold, then painted with a greyish black paint. When it is fired in the kiln, a chemical reaction causes it to change into the Delft Blue we all recognize.:) |
Courtyard at the Delft Factory |
The Name "Royal" was given to the Delft name when the royal families of The Nether;ands began commissioning the beautiful blue china to be made for special occasions for the royal family...
Queen Beatrix abdicated her throne for her son, King Willem-Alexander, in 2013. |
Plate commissioned by the royal family of King Willem- Alexander |
King Willem- Alexander and Queen Maxima (Current King and queen of The Netherlands) |
Royal Geneology |
There were so many beautiful pieces of china, I couldn't take pictures of it all!
There was also a room set up as a tribute to Johannes Vanmeer with place settings which were from the period he lived in Delft...
Replica of Vermeer's painting "Girl with the Pearl Earring" |
There are special plates made for special occasions in Holland's history and for Christmas...
The kids were pretty excited that they got to see one of the artists paint a plate, and we even go to go back in the factory where they have the molds and make the pottery...
I think we even spotted Sinterklauss hanging out in the factory!:) |
After the china factory (and purchasing a few treasures), we walked around this cute little Dutch town...
Giant Blue Heart |
We even saw Sinterklauss in the city center!
We had a great time visiting this small Dutch town with many hidden treasures.:) Now, on to get ready for Thanksgiving...don't even get me started on how I cannot find any canned pumpkin here!!
Tot zeinz!
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