We woke up very early one morning just to get to Alkmaar on time. My travel companions (Rica, her sister Rina, Rina's boyfriend, Manolo) and I all wanted to see Dutch men wearing traditional garb and in wooden clogs while carrying and weighing cheese at the cheese market. As far as I can recall, this event took place only on certain days of the week, if not just only once a week, and not everyday. Thus, very early on during our Netherlands vacation, we planned on coming here when the event took place while we were all together.

Some men weighing cheese in Alkmaar. I wonder if this tradition continues to this day. The city was full of tourists the day we went but it was a wonderful event nonetheless. I certainly would like to see this again when I return to The Netherlands someday.