Streets of Haarlem

Walking through the streets of Haarlem you are aware of the bricked pavement. Small narrow bricks dating back in time when they were fired in the area and laid down on a foundation of sand gathered from the dunes. They vary in colour from gray, charcoal, sand coloured and slowly turning to shades of red. Even in the red, there is a variation of colours depending mostly on the firing. Presently there is still a profession called Street Making. An apprenticeship was followed in that trade taking into account the curve and the drainage of the pavement. With modern equipment, it has made the task easier, but most of the digging has to be done by hand as pipes and cable are buried underground. 

There is not much distinction between the sidewalk and the road and the small commercial carts that once maneuvered through these narrow streets, have been replaced by bicycles. Bikes have become the mode of transportation and with the separate bike lanes, it has become the preferred method of getting around the city.

Although there is not much of a sidewalk, there is room for a bench and flowers pot and plants. The benches are to sit on, but mostly avoiding visiting cyclists placing their bike against the glass window  panes

The streets have become pedestrian walkways and cyclist have to dismount, otherwise, face a fine.  The pavement has also become part of the neighbourhood, while streets are swept and leaves gathered there is still time for a quick word to the neighbours between chores.

Away from the flowers and plants are the temporary units that sell their freshly baked goods. They make their circuit and move to different locations during the week.

The aroma of freshly baked waffles is hard to miss and difficult to walk past. It is amazing with all the freshly baked goods; obesity is rare.

There are narrow passageways that have been there for hundreds of years and invite you to follow it.

Some doors lead to a courtyard or a well establish gardens.

Some passage is the width of a wheelbarrow and has doors leading to it with plants hanging from brackets.

Traditionally, a small business was run by a woman as her husband held a full-time job. The business was on the main floor and the owner lived above the store. She ran the business and raised the children at the same time. It is closed during lunch hour and closed one day during the week and on weekends. 

Businesses spill out onto the sidewalks with their wares and displays. Bars and restaurants claim most of the sidewalks.

As I was looking for direction to the shortest route back to by hotel, I spotted the crow sitting on the information post and as I was looking for the shortest route, decide to follow it.

Not far from anywhere, is the cheese shop with its display on the sidewalk along with its cheese samples.