Early start to the day - we drive to s'Hertogenbosch, or Den Bosch, an hours drive from Oud Gastel to the CoffeeLab cafe for breakfast and coffee.
We had planned to take a most unique boat cruise that winds its way through the tunnels under the city, so we check into the ticket kiosk and book passage for the 8 of us on the 12:40pm cruise.
This historical boat tour transports you back in time to the Middle Ages, when this city was a thriving hub for trade and art. The tour starts at the Molenstraat aboard a quiet electric boat, that floats by the old houses and sturdy city walls that bear witness to the unique history of Den Bosch.
The Binnendieze waterway ran along the back of the houses. This is also what makes the current form of the city, the street layout and narrow houses that back onto the water unique! Ships would transport their wares over the narrow canals, whilst the iron and textile industries used the water in their manufacturing processes. For citizens, the Binnendieze not only served as a source of drinking water, it was also used as a sewer.
After centuries of poor maintainance and with no real remaining purpose other than a sewer, the dirty water represented a risk to public health. In 1969, plans were made to backfill and demolish the entire Binnendieze.
Luckily, in 1972, the historical inner city was designated a conservation area. Given the water’s significant cultural value, the Binnendieze was restored, bit by bit.
When we get back to our B&B it is time for the Euro Cup Dutch/England game
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| Proudly displaying the Orange before the game |
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| Hearty dinner prepared by 3 excellent chefs! |
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| And the Game is On! |
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| Ollie keeping Oma cool during game |
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| The local pub D'Hart van Gastel hosts an outdoor game watching party. The crowd can be heard across town! |
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