G is for Giethoorn

Wow, if you want a simple life why not try Giethoorn, Netherlands where there are no roads at all and everyone gets around town using foot bridges and boats. 

Apparently little has changed here since the 1800’s with most homes having thatched roofs.  It’s too bad it gets so cold here because it’s beautiful.  There are over four miles of canals and all the bridges are wood.  I imagine that’s a maintenance issue.

This is the Venice of the Netherlands and there are guided canal tours for tourists.  The village was founded by fugitives in AD 1230 but became known after it was featured in the film Fanfare by Dutch filmmaker, Bert Haanstra, in 1958.

Most of the villagers get around by boat because there are no cars allowed in the village.

Interesting, huh?

The Cows Are Out!!! The Cows Are Out!!!

The Dirt Cheap Cow - Mexican Pottery and Furniture/Garden Store



This is a festival they have in Santa Clara the last weekend of every Sept. (That's the town next to mine, where a terrific old-fashioned fruit stand is.)


The Swiss settled the town in 1854 and because of this they have Swiss Days with parades and a street faire, etc and everyone paints cows and puts them out. They are everywhere - all over town. I took a bunch of pics and thought I'd share some of them with you.  The residents in this town really get into the spirit of things.

This one was on a sreet corner in town

Some businesses put their names on the cows - this one even has a huge milkshake

This one was in someone's yard and is ready for combat - notice the boots

There's always a camouflage cow

I thought was cute - in someone's front yard

Here's a mom and baby on a street corner

Here's one ready for a backpacking trip.

You get the idea.  The entire main street in this little village is like this.  There's probably 20 or thirty cows every half mile.

Does anyone know of another place like this?