Dark clouds above Zaandam

After watching the impressive parade of tall ships at Sail Amsterdam, we went to take a look at Zaanse Schans. This neighbourhood of the city of Zaandam has a lot of wonderfully preserved windmills and tradional houses. The weather provided some dramatic lighting effects: while dark skies were getting closer, the windmills on the banks of the river Zaan were still illuminated by the sun. By the time the clouds dropped their loads, we were safe under a parasol at a nearby cafe. For more images of Zaanse Schans, visit my profile.