Klompen

Clara Maria

Every American over the age of fifty knows the story of Hans Brinker. OK so maybe a few don’t, but truth be told even fewer know that ole Hans is a total fabrication. Hans might be made-up, but the dikes holding back the sea surely aren’t because just about all of the Netherlands is below sea level. That little fact accounts for some very interesting realities. For one, the soil is rich--really rich; it ought to be, it’s reclaimed sea bottom. A short walk in the country along the bike paths (yes there are bike paths along country roads) and you’ll find seashells. Two, it’s muddy. Three, farm fields aren’t separated by fences. Canals cordon them off. Called ‘polders’, the fields are often gooey, sopping wet, absolutely gorgeous turf for planting. All of which brings us to clogs.

Klompen

Any illustration of little Hans with his finger holding back the Atlantic Ocean will also include classically Dutch traditional footwear--klompen, or wooden shoes (often referred to as clogs), which are far from fictional. Sold now to the same tourists who visit thinking everybody wears them, clogs are available everywhere tourists roam.

“Klompen” were once the preferred footwear of Dutch farmers and gardeners; and for good reason--it’s muddy! Wooden shoes could be easily scraped off and dried out, and they would last so much longer than other available materials. Nowadays klompen have been relegated to the gift shops.

Just my size!

Making clogs from Poplar

Last week while looking for a fitting way to spend a day, we visited Clara Maria, a 150-year old Cheese and Clog Farm. A working dairy farm, Clara Maria with the direct assistance of some hundred-plus cows produce specialty cheese with various added seasonings. Also, because the place is a magnet for tourists, birthday parties and school groups, they make clogs. Hey, clogs sell. And by the number of clogs for sale, they sell pretty well.

Waiting for a salt bath