Coming to you from Haarlem, our Columnist of Ratianda proudly brings you "Haarlem, Up-Close & Personal".
Firstly, Haarlem had a total population 148 885 in 2009. The
municipality of Haarlem also comprises part of the village of
Spaarndam, a newer housing estate of this village forms part of the neighbouring municipality of
Haarlemmerliede en Spaarnwoude.
A river is a natural watercourse, usually freshwater, flowing toward an ocean, a lake, a sea or another river. In a few cases, a river simply flows into the ground or dries up completely before reaching another body of water... The city is located on the river
Spaarne, about 20 km west of
Amsterdam and near the
coastal dunes. It has been the historical center of the
tulip bulb-growing district for centuries and bears the nickname 'Bloemenstad' (flower city), for this reason.
How it began?
The oldest mentioning of Haarlem dates from the 10th century. The name comes from "Haarlo-heim" or "Harulahem", which means '
place, on sand covered with trees, higher than the others'. There was a stream called "
De Beek", dug from the peat grounds west of the river Spaarne as a drainage canal. Over the centuries the Beek was turned into an underground canal, as the city grew larger and the space was needed for construction. Over time it began to silt up and in the 19th century it was filled in. The location of the village was a good one: by the river Spaarne, and by a major road going south to north. By the 12th century it was a fortified town, and Haarlem became the residence of the
Counts of Holland
The Counts of Holland ruled over the County of Holland in the Low Countries between the 10th and the 16th century.-House of Holland:The first count of Holland, Dirk I, was the son or foster-son of Gerolf, Count in Frisia...
.
OKAY! Back to the present... (I know you're getting sleepy, me too... lolx)
The weather is cool but freezing at the same time. It's a very classic, yet, "heavenly" view not to be missed!
Here are some pictures taken next to the River
Spaarne in
Haarlem (the Northern side of Holland).
Along the river Spaarne,was formerly the
Maria Stichting (sort of a foundation), a Roman Catholic Hospital and Childrens Orphanage
Oh! Before I forget, do notice that the river is utterly frozen! People ice skate here too.
There are also boat houses on the river too.
Ooo... Do not miss this! Haarlem's very own friendly neighborhood 24/7. A sight not to be missed!
Want to know more about Haarlem?
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Would love to shout out a great big "THANK YOU" to our Columnist of Ratianda all the way from The Netherlands!
