This guest article was written by Susan Kramer BellaOnline.com's Meditation Editor.
Driving up along the western coast of The Netherlands in the province of Noord-Holland, we first had to cross the road over the long dike that holds back the North Sea from the IJsselmeer - the inner sea. Harlingen can also be reached by train which dead ends at the port to go south again along the eastern border of the Ijsselmeer.
It took 30 minutes to drive the length of the dike going at 50mph. This road on the dike connects North Holland in the west, and Friesland to the east.
The inner sea is shallow and fresh water, fed by rivers. It is actually flooded land. In recent years parts have been pumped dry to reclaim land.
Laying across the north border of The Netherlands are a series of islands that can just barely be seen from the mainland. The only way to reach them is by ferry. The port town of Harlingen which we visited has a depot for the ferry to 2 of the islands, Vlieland, and Terschelling, that are inhabited and popular vacation spots for both cottage stays and camping.
The ferry to the larger island of Texel is from the city of Den Helder in North Holland. Den Helder is easily reached by train connecting through Amsterdam and other major cities to the south such as Rotterdam and Utrecht.
And if you really want to spend the day on the train to leisurely see the sights of the middle and western side of The Netherlands you can take the train beginning at Maastricht at the southern tip of the country, on north through Utrecht, Amersterdam and finally reaching Den Helder at the northwestern tip.
My husband and I enjoyed visiting the port of Harlingen in Friesland and I have included a photo here to give you an idea of the little town. It has canals running throughout leading to the port and ferry mentioned above.
As a group the string of islands are known as the Wadden Islands and are along the borders of the provinces of Noord-Holland to the north west, and Friesland to the east. It should be noted that the islands of Vlieland and Schiermonnikoog do not allow car traffic. But with their peace and tranquility they are perfect for hiking and just sitting in the dunes and watching birds and other wildlife.
Article by Susan Kramer; photo of the canals in Harlingen, The Netherlands by Stan Schaap
