WHY YOU STILL WANT TO GO TO ZEELAND THIS WEEKEND
If you take the highway south and turn off just before Zeeland, you are on my birthplace. But because that place of origin is dangerously close to Zeeland, I sometimes drifted down to (and through) my southern neighbors. And this is why a weekend in Zeeland is a good idea.
1. “Here at the coast, the Zeeland coast, where people unconsciously crave mussel festivals.” Pascal from Bløf sings it all. And actually, I shouldn't reveal this from the locals aka the Zeeuwen (or Zeelanders, as Kiek calls them), but those festivals are the most fun before they officially start. If you see the official copy saying Friday and Saturday, you just go ahead and have a tiny drink on Thursday evening. I'm warning you in advance for an extremely high party level.
2. The Grevelingenmeer, which is incredibly beautiful at the edge of Schouwen-Duiveland, is the largest saltwater lake in Europe. Yes, I just taught you some geographical knowledge. But it’s bursting with boats, SUPs, and surfboards. You can just rent them. Insider tip: take the exit at Bruinisse towards the marina, as if you’ve landed with your snout in Saint-Tropez. Really.
3. Sea, peace, coast; Zeeland is water, because it consists of islands for a reason. So make sure to find accommodation near the beach. That’s not a problem. Nothing nicer than turning that sand early in the morning, at a less sunny moment, or just at the beginning of the evening. Then you don’t even have to pull out your skills as a hurdle jumper to get across the beach, because it’s yours (and those few stragglers who had the same tight plan).
4. Our friends from Omoda have five stores in Zeeland. FIVE. If you don’t have an excuse to dash down south now, then I don’t know anymore. I mean: hello, shoes. Go on, off you go. It’s just a two-hour drive for the city dwellers among us.
5. And when you go shopping, you’ll see those cutest harbor towns. With the most delicious terraces where you don’t have to knock anyone out for some sun. And the finest lunch spots with local products. I’m scrolling through my favorites to stay as we speak, you get that. 6. Fish, lots of fish. Are you vegan? Then skip this point, because it’s about consuming fish. In May and June, you eat the Oosterscheldekreeft fresh from the bottom before diving into the pot of mussels. But also book a night away in September, because that’s when the yellow ones come to the table. And if you’re a mussel lover, these are the tastiest you’ve ever tasted. I think. Promise.
7. Did you know that May started her working life at the ice cream parlor in Goes?.
Yes, I mean it. Here lies history, the editor-in-chief took her first steps towards what your Amayzine would become in this place. It’s an experience in itself to wander around there. And if you want to take in some historical goodness, then go to the storm surge barrier to see why it’s a good idea that thing is there. Step on a boat and who knows, you might spot a seal, because yes, they have those in Zeeland too. See you at the Zeeland coast?.
Renting in Zeeland
