Viking Cruise Vacation #7: Exploring Inside an Historic Dutch Windmill

This is the seventh blog about our Viking Rhine River Cruise. Today's blog takes you inside an historic Dutch windmill in the Netherlands and gives an update on today's process for removing water from the region. Our tour guide described the country of the Netherlands as "one big estuary." 

(Photo: Tom and Rob inside the 1738 Historic Windmill. Credit: R.G.) 

THE WINDMILLS' PURPOSES - In yesterday's blog, I went into detail about the 19 Historic Windmills remaining in the low-lying area of Kinderdijk, the Netherlands and how they were used to pump water off the land and into canals that carried it back to the North Sea. Draining the land enabled agricultural land use. In addition to pumping water, there was a millstone in the Windmills that was used to grind grain. Today, water is removed by electronic water pumps. 

FUN WITH NEW FRIENDS - One of the highlights of cruising the Rhine with just 150 other people is the ability to meet fun people like Sue and Jim. They used to live in New Jersey and retired to Florida. We had some great conversations and laughs together and we're keeping in touch. This is a picture of them at the windmills (it was a cold and overcast day).

4 FAST FACTS - 1) Did you know the "cap" of the windmill could rotate, so that the blades of the windmill can be turned to face the direction of the wind? We didn't!

2) In 1738, Windmills were rounded buildings made of bricks that cost about $3,000 Euro at the time. But they were so heavy they started sinking into the wet ground. 

3) By 1740, Windmills were octagonal in shape and made of wood (like oak), to make them lighter. Each cost about $3,500 Euro to build. 

4) The wooden parts were lubricated by beeswax.

TOURING THE WINDMILL - If you're claustrophobic, or you can't ascend narrow, steep stairs up three floors, don't go in a windmill. Here's a brief look from the 3rd floor down to the 1st floor. 

(Photos: View of the Polder area outside, and inside, the thrid floor inner workings. Credit: R.G.) 

THIRD FLOOR - All the workings of the cap that swivels and the windmill fan blades are housed here.

SECOND FLOOR - There was a makeshift bathroom with a sink. But inhabitants would wash up in the outside "watercourse" or Furnace shed (where linens were washed). There was a small bunk for the 2 boys in one family. It was tight quarters on that floor! We did take a picture from one of the windows and a short video of the blades turning. 

(Photo: First floor Living room area of the Windmill. Credit: R.G.) 

RESIDUAL ENERGY- When people live or visit a place, and are emotional about it, they can leave an imprint of energy in the walls of the structure. If you're sensitive to it (like me), you could feel the energy of the families that resided there.) 

FIRST FLOOR - The Living room was located on the first floor. This floor was also used only in winter... again, very small... but at least it had a good view of the other windmills. :)  OH, and to go the bathroom, summer or winter, you went outside and used the Outhouse. 

VIDEO OF THE WINDMILL LOOKING OUT AND INSIDE - This short video gives you a quick look outside a window and around the inside the windmill.  

NEXT: The Windmill Cat in the Cradle