We set off for a cycle to the town of Gouda which is 17km away from Zoetermeer. We take lots of maps and the GPS bought for the trip. The bike path is well marked and takes us through farming country, canals, motorway and beautifully groomed boulevards of trees. We see lots of ducks, calves, and swans along the way.
We arrived at Gouda railway station which was about as uninteresting as you can get. However we head towards the town centre and things improve when we happen upon a large plaza with the over 400 year old Stadthuis (Town Hall).Gouda has some famous old buildings such as the Grote Kerk (Cuurch) which were built in the 1600’s. Amazingly the streets are so narrow, and the church so large that it’s impossible to get a decent view or photo of it.
After cycling the cobblestone paths, laneways, bridges over canals we visit the Museumhaven and have a light lunch of bruscetta, sandwiches, drinks, coffee and an apple tart. All provided by a garrulous chef/waiter.
Due to a slight misjudgment of direction by Ric (I don't need no GPS), we cycle back via the village of Waddinxveen (an extra couple of kilometers) but have an enjoyable ride beside a canal along boulevard of trees and then meet up with the cycle path to Zoetermeer. After our first major cycle trip we both felt a little sore and tired.