Angel of Haarlem

When my Polish friend Alex came to visit we took a few trips outside of Amsterdam.

Haarlem dates back to the 10th Century, but it wasn't until Willem van Oranje repelled the Spanish that the city soard to prosperity of the Golden Age, and the city has retained much if its 17th Century charm. Haarlem is the Capital of Noord Holland; Amsterdam is not the capital of Holland, but the capital of The Netherlands. Noord Holland and Zuid Holland are two provinces that are commonly refered to as Holland. Oh, and the Hague is the seat of the royal family.

Haarlem's Grote Markt (the main square)











The Grote Kerk van St Bavo is in the main square...














and the cathedral is home to this Muller organ, which has about 5000 pipes. It was played by Handel, and a 10 year old Mozart also rocked out on this baby.














And in true Dutch fashion, Haarlem has its share of canals and windmills.