the real holland

This trip to Europe provided me an opportunity to meet face-to-face with two kindred spirits that I’ve befriended over the internet.  Ginnie (left) is very involved in the Vision and Verb blog that connects women from all over the world through “vision” (our photography) and through “verb” (our writing) which I’m a proud member and contributor.  That’s how we got to know each other.  And through Ginnie, I met Astrid (middle) her spouse.  Imagine the excitement (and apprehension!) of meeting these gals and getting to experience the real Holland!  Within minutes of being picked up at the hotel in Amsterdam, the three of us felt as if we’d known each other for years.  What could be more perfect than meeting new friends who love photography as much as I do and getting to see parts of Holland that many people would never experience.  So the next few upcoming posts, I’ll share with you their country, the real Holland.

Within no time we were out of Amsterdam and heading into the most beautiful pastoral countryside towards their home. How did they know?  We’d never discussed the topic of adult beverages so what a surprise when we stopped at Wijnhandel van Ouwerkerk in the small town of Arkel near their community, Gorinchem.

Well as many of you know…I ♥ wine. Oh my, I could’ve parked myself in this location and photographed and drank myself to oblivion.  A business that started in 1860 and has been passed down from father to son with much enthusiasm, knowledge and expertise…and even better?  Wabi-sabi everywhere!  Not only do they sell wine, but every imaginable wine memorabilia that exists must be in this location.  The sales area and tasting rooms were filled with vintage bottles, antique mirrors and furniture, glassware, art, you name it…and all tastefully pulled together.  An exquisite introduction to the real Holland and of course the complimentary pour of aged Kopke port didn’t hurt either!

 

Before continuing with the next post…and since the subject of wine came up…just had to share a capture of a vineyard that is within 10 minutes of my parents farm in Virginia and beside the home place/farm where my father grew up.  It couldn’t have been at a better time to experience Valhalla Vineyards during autumn!

More to come!