Verhildersum

This afternoon, Lya drove north toward the sea, to a grand old house called Verhildersum. It is surrounded by a moat and big gardens (although there was little blooming this early in the spring).






The gardens have some lovely sculpture.




The inside of the house was open, but is undergoing restoration, and photography is not permitted.













Forget-me-nots:







Before we got to the house, we toured some small roads into the countryside in search of what Lya calls "trees with eyes," which are birch in rows along a country road.

Out and about in Groningen

This afternoon, Lya and I went into Groningen to see the Groningen Museum and visit Lya's favorite cheese shop. I was eager to buy some cheese to bring back; it has all been fantastic, and I think I may have eaten my weight in cheese during my stay. Hope my suitcase won't be overweight! Here are some shots of this wonderful city.



This is the old newspaper building. It has beautiful tile work, and nice windows.



This is the cheese shop. I bought a "young" Dutch cheese, an "old" ( aged one year) Dutch cheese, and one round cheese sealed in wax.



The shop had lovely Easter displays in its windows:







Looks like this guy has an appetite for autos!




Mosaic of men in traditional dress carrying cheeses:






Amazing doors:






This is the entrance to the Groningen museum:


The museum is known for its brightly colored walls, which are changed to complement the current exhibitions.


This exhibit was on fashion designer Azzedine Alaia, one of the last living couturiers.



Wonderful texture!






"Jan Jansz de Stomme" by Meenwertien Fockens, 1645. Detail below:



"Anoniem" by Bouwina Coenders van Helpen, 1630. Detail below.


From the museum's top level:


There was also an exhibit of fashion by the young Dutch designer Iris van Herpen, including this snakelike creation:



And this, which I think is made of heated acrylic that gives the impression of water: